Totoro

My friend Totoro

I really want to see you

Want to be with you

You spirit of the forest

Be my friend and I'll be yours

A tanka I wrote after meeting Totoro, the magical character in "My Neighbor Totoro,"  Miyazaki's animation. Totoro shows how children use imagination and spirituality to help them get through difficulties. The little girls Satsuki and Mei are coping with their mother's illness and move to a new town to be near her hospital. Totoro appears when they are worried about her health and discouraged that her illness continues and she cannot come home. The spirits of the forest comfort them with their compassionate presence, silently offering a healthy imaginary relationship that helps the girls to develop a sense of acceptance and wellness. Totoro is there by their side when they need a friend.