This truly has been a long journey—380 kilometers.

From the sea, all the way up along the river, over countless twists and turns, we finally found that surging source of fresh water.

Once we cross this threshold, will the other side be our home?

Along the way, my shell has been shed several times. Though the style remains similar, the size has grown with each change.

Did the Creator give us eight legs so that we are destined to wander all our lives?

I hope that river is worth such a long journey and such solemn attendance.

On this path, companions were eaten by birds and fish,  taken away to unknown fates…

Those of us who survived have only farther rivers ahead.

I wish that in a kind autumn in the future, we will set out and swim toward the sea.

When we came, we struggled upstream against the current, through hardship and danger.

When we meet again, the scenery will be at ease like passing by on a light boat.