Author's Note: I wrote this poem from different characters' perspectives as a tribute to Samurai 7 after having watched the entire season. The bittersweet ending led me back to the theme of war and how people usually lose more than benefit from this endless cycle of hatred.
(Peasants)
We would've been eating rice,
We would've had an easier life,
If it hadn't been for the bandits,
Who gave us toil and strife.
(Kirara)
With a light of hope,
I'll never give in
Searching high and low
For the samurais within.
(Katsushiro)
I've always tried to protect you,
But failed miserably.
Naivety hides the truth.
Now death is my destiny.
(Kikuchiyo)
All the sacrifices I've made
Were meant to stand up for the weak.
I'll give my all with no regrets
To experience the life I seek.
(Kambei)
The tragedy of war is the lives lost
All for the sake of greed.
Though an empty shell in yet another losing war,
Still through life I proceed.
(Gorobei)
Leading a life of thrills
Renews my spirit.
Fighting alongside friends who watch my back,
Dispels all fear of defeat.
(Heihachi)
Behind any goal,
There must always be a strategy.
I'll protect my friends with a smile,
I'm the engineer of my methodology.
(Kyuzo)
Going wherever the wind takes me,
I'll do what it takes to survive.
Challenging my limits against the best,
Somehow makes me feel alive.
(Shichiroji)
Returning to the battlefield once again,
Was never what I had in mind.
Nevertheless, when duty calls,
I'll place my dreams behind.
(Rikichi)
Memories sting my heart and guilt clouds my conscience.
Please pardon my cowardice, I'm not who I used to be.
Together we'll leave our past behind,
And start a new life free.
(Komachi)
A shining light in the world of darkness
Brings happiness to all.
I'll cherish every moment we've shared.
Thank you for helping Kanna stand tall.