Restless

As I write this letter, the ocean breeze feels cool on my skin. That very ocean is soon to be my grave.


They tell me I will die a hero. That the safety and honor of my country will be the reward for my sacrifice.


I pray they are right.


My only regret in life is never telling you how I feel.


I wish I were back home. I wish I were holding your hand. I wish I were telling you that I have loved you, and only you, since I was a boy.


But I'm not.


I see now that death is easy. It is love that is hard.


As my plane dives, I will not see the face of my enemies. I will instead see your eyes, Iike black rocks frozen in rainwater.


They tell us that we must scream, "Banzai," as we plunge into our target.


I will instead whisper your name.


And in death, as in life, I will remain forever yours.

Ensign Hiroshi Takahashi