Songs of a Cowherd/My Life

by Itō Sachio

For works with similar titles, see My Life.

 1911 

My Life

If, to this present I,
To lie were not permitted,
My life span, alas, would be
Cut off this instant.

Tormented, I cling to life,
And there is no way to repent
Of the sin that men do not forgive.

Having been utterly lost
In the path of life,
I am not even permitted to lie.

when I repent of my own sin,
What will become of my life?
Alas, my love!

Though I huddle in fear and misery,
Since I am still alive,
Heaven and earth let me live.