“I wanted to leave a message on the wall near the altar, stuck together with all the other requests for hope so that even if I never returned to Tarumi, something of me would remain (209) .” Autumn, Monday 10Dear diary, As the end of my stay in Tarumi approached, “…I was overcome by a feeling of nostalgia… (185).” I began to reflect on the changes I experienced during my time in Tarumi. It was like I had been given new eyes and well… a whole new thought process. However, I believe that Tarumi is just a place, a beach village, which has no power to illuminate. I believe people have the power to change and enlighten someone. For me, I believe it was Matsu who chipped away at the shell of a pampered little boy and carefully helped me come out of my shell, older and with a better understanding of the complexities of life, which I wasn't capable of. do, due to my immaturity. I have decided that the rest of this journal entry will be dedicated to Matsu and my reflection on what she did to bring about the transformation in me. I have to leave now; the lamp is dimming, while the last residues of kerosene begin to disappear. Autumn, Wednesday 12 Dear diary, I know I have dedicated the last pages to Matsu, I feel the need to get some of my personal troubles off my chest. Keiko just told me that we can't be friends anymore because her brother died in the war. “I wondered how many Chinese he had killed before his death (188).” I began to despair and the weather seemed to reflect my mood, remaining gray and with the occasional rain. Matsu can see the problem between me and Keiko, but doesn't pester me for information. Even though I dedicated the last few pages to Matsu, I started thinking about the effects of... middle of the paper... see you for a final but shortened entry due to the remaining space. Autumn, Wednesday 16Dear diary, I'm about to leave Tarumi. My heart is heavy. I don't want to leave the place that taught me to grow and acquire a shred of wisdom. I know now that Matsu helped me by nurturing my independence and providing me with an environment to observe the beauty and sadness of life. Like nutrients for a plant, I absorbed them and grew. Now I know why I left a message on the sanctuary wall. I wanted to leave a tribute to the place where I grew up.TarumiCalm, ReflectionTransform, Break, StrengthenSadness, Anger, Beauty, RegretsTarumiThe Samurai used to dedicate themselves to poetry as an art form. I write this poem to remember Tarumi and Matsu, the strongest samurai I met in my life, who helped me overcome the storm and reach the sunlight.