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This piece was inspired by an extract from Chieko shô, a collection of poems written by Kotaro Takamura (1883-1956) as a tribute to his wife, Chieko. Takamura's words, presented intact in the choir, fade as a result of absent figures throughout the instrumental ensemble. The poet writes that he stays with Chieko, although she has lost touch with reality as illness has gradually taken over her mind. She travels, peacefully, despite suffering from tuberculosis. The piece ends on a moving image. One day, Chieko bites into a lemon and the poet sees in her eyes a small spark of conscience. Chieko smiles and dies a few moments later.
