Omukai (Across the Street)
NakamuraEmi
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Will you take a minute to listen to my story?

The first time I lived alone was in a run-down apartment where only guys lived
The couple in the house across the street came by to greet me every day

My good friend that became a mother made her son hand out vegetables
The blonde-haired kid from across the street came to say thanks the next day

When I lived on the second floor of that run-down apartment a great company was formed on the first floor
Even when I made some unreasonable request they said “no problem, we’re under the same roof”

When my parents fell ill and I was so busy
the calm people across the street said to me “please tell us if we can do anything”

Lately in Shimokitazawa an izakaya called “Across the Street” popped up
It somehow feels like a home, it’s kind of stupid but being there calms me down

When I was a kid they said “if anything happens, go to the neighbors”
Throughout the neighborhood, everyone protected the neighborhood and children
While circulating a notice around the neighborhood we could chat a little, while getting bitten by mosquitos

At that time I felt like it was so ordinary
We’re also the ones that changed this “ordinary”

When I was a kid they said “if anything happens, go to the neighbors”
Throughout the neighborhood, everyone protected the neighborhood and children
But I feel like this kind of thing is so precious

First of all, like that couple did for me
Like what they did for me when I was lonely
Even just a greeting will do
Even just a greeting will do
© Shane D. Anderson 2015. All rights reserved.