A gift from Hikari for my birthday, and my thanks to her for her generosity and love

Gabriela Marie Milton

6 months ago

My dear followers and subscribers,

I hope everyone is doing well. Have a beautiful new week.

I would like to share with you a beautiful gift from Hikari, a fabulous Japanese painter, that she sent for my birthday. I am deeply grateful for her generosity.

A gift from Hikari for my birthday

A splendid painting and tanka:

Tanka by Hikary

TANKA 実が実り　秋も華やぐ　ハナミズキ　我らが創る　新しき時代（とき）

fruits ripen gently
dogwoods bloom in autumn light
graceful, strong, and still
we vow to shape what will be
a new age born from our hands

※Dogwoods are considered a symbol of ‘gratitude’ and ‘U.S.-Japan friendship.’

This is because, after Japan gifted cherry trees to Washington, the U.S. returned the gesture by sending dogwoods to Japan.

A story for my dearest Hikari

At the edge of the garden, where the last light of day trembled on the petals of a single lily, she stood watching the horizon fade. The air was still, as if the world itself had paused to listen. Even the evening birds, once busy with their songs, had fallen silent.

Then her footsteps were soft on the path, carrying the scent of rain and earth.

The lily bent toward her, a pale silhouette against the dimming sky. It seemed to bow, not from the weight of its bloom, but in reverence. She smiled faintly, tracing its curve with her eyes. “It’s as if it knows,” she whispered.

“That beauty doesn’t need to speak,” the lily said. “That even silence can be full of color.”

The lily reached for her hand, and in that touch, something shifted—the dusk seemed to breathe again. The world, quiet and waiting, unfolded around them in shades unseen: the soft gold of forgiveness, the deep green of memory, the tender blush of hope.

A new world was born—one that asked for nothing but presence and offered everything in return.

Reminder

I am thrilled to announce that Literary Revelations will soon publish a very special album: “Haiku and Tanka: Lull, Harmony and Power.” This splendid collection will be available in early December—just in time to make the perfect Christmas gift for literature and art lovers alike!

The album is a true collector’s piece. It features exquisite paintings and tanka poetry by Hikari, expressing traditional Japanese art. Alongside her stunning artwork, you’ll find my own interpretations of her paintings, illustrated in my haiku. This collaboration celebrates the harmony between visual art and poetry, offering a unique journey through both mediums.

We understand the importance of accessibility, so Literary Revelations will make every effort to keep the price as low as possible. Our goal is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy this remarkable album.

Stay tuned for more updates and details. Thank you all for your continued support—I can’t wait for you to experience this extraordinary release!

With excitement, gratitude, and deep thanks for your continued support!