赤蜻蛉 Red Dragonflies

A hovering akatombo is a most stunning sight in autumn, as if the bleeding hues of maple leaves themselves stain the dragonfly in its passing. An old children's song "Akatombo - Red Dragonflies" was popularised in the 1920s, and is a melancholic ode to days past.

Aka Tombo 
(lyrics by Rofu Miki, music by Kosaku Yamada)

Dragonflies as red as sunset 
Back when I was young 
In twilight skies, there on her back I'd ride 
When the day was done  

Mountain fields in late November 
Long ago it seems 
Mulberry trees and treasures we would gather 
Was it only just a dream?  

Just fifteen she went away one day 
Married then so young
Like a sister lost, I loved and missed her 
Letters never seemed to come  

Dragonflies as red as sunset 
Back when I was young 
Now in my eyes, when I see dragonflies 
Tears are always sure to come