ONE HUNDRED MORE POEMS FROM THE JAPANESE (1974)

Kenneth Rexroth


XVII

The uguisu has not come
To sing on this misty day.
Somewhere, I guess, he is sleeping,
His jeweled claws neatly doubled.


Yosano Akiko



XLI

Everybody tells me
My hair is too long
I leave it
As you saw it last
Dishevelled by your hands.


Lady Sono No Omi Ikuha



LXXIV

When I pick up my koto
A cry of sorrow comes from it.
Is it possible that
In the koto's hollow
My wife's spirit
Has secluded itself?


Anonymous, Manyoshu



LXXIX

Evening darkens until
I can no longer see the path.
Still I find my way home,
My horse has gone this way before.


Anonymous, Gosenshu



XCVI

Everybody knows
How much I love you.
All your
Mannerisms
Have become my
Mannerisms.


Anonymous