Kotchan

Tokyo

October 4

Dear Kotchan,

Ages have passed – are you changed any?

Swans sailing across the ocean have brought tidings of your whereabouts

and I am glad that fate has dealt kindly with you.

When you left I have felt the loss deeply –

the table was suddenly large without your prowling presence.

Even now I write with your picture before me.

You have killed all the cats in the world

for you are alone, --

the only one dear to me.

Have you caught your first mice yet?

Did he taste nice?

Perhaps you enjoy chasing squirrels,

there is great pleasure in the quest of the unattainable.

You and I know that wonder is the secret of bliss

and that with reason comes the death of the beautiful.

Be cautious of forming friendship with tomcats –

even of the best sort.

They can teach only what they acquired through pain;

you must learn all through the gate of gladness.

Be courageous, for bravery is the key into life.

Kotchan! are you lonesome?

Loneliness is the lot of many worthier than you or me –

With best greetings

Your friend

Kakuzo

I am sending you a small parcel of Japanese Catnip –

and hope that it may agree with you.