Kamikaze is a poignant poem that recounts the story of a Japanese pilot who is ordered to carry out a suicidal attack during World War II. The poem explores his internal conflict, the clash between duty and personal morals, and the memories that haunt him. The narrator reflects on the societal expectations and the personal cost of obedience, highlighting the tension between individual choice and collective obligation. The pilot’s thoughts shift between the past, vivid with images of family and nature, and the present, marked by a sense of inevitable sacrifice. The phrase 'a one-way journey' encapsulates the theme of finality, while references to ‘cherry blossoms’ evoke fleeting beauty and the transient nature of life and memory. The poem uses subtle imagery and symbolism to evoke emotional responses and provoke reflection on the costs of war and the importance of personal memory. Key phrases to analyze include 'a break in the waves' and 'a flashing blade,' which serve as metaphors for moments of clarity and violence. This context helps us understand how personal history and nature intertwine in shaping human experience amidst conflict.