Izumi Shikibu

Although the wind

Although the wind
blows terribly here,
the moonlight also leaks
between the roof planks
of this ruined house.
~ Izumi Shikibu from "Although the wind...,"translated by Jane Hirshfield and Mariko Aratani, in THE INK DARK MOON

The moonlight also leaks between the roof planks

Although the wind
blows terribly here,
the moonlight also leaks
between the roof planks
of this ruined house.

~ Izumi Shikibu, "Although the wind ... ," translated by Jane Hirshfield and Mariko Aratani, from THE INK DARK MOON.

This world exists as a sheen of dew on flowers

Come quickly -- as soon as these blossoms open, they fall. This world exists as a sheen of dew on flowers.

~ Izumi Shikibu (Japan, b 974?), thanks to Maureen Flannery

Nothing in the world is usual today

Nothing
in the world
is usual today.
This is
the first morning.

Come quickly -- as soon as
these blossoms open,
they fall.
This world exists
as a sheen of dew on flowers.

~ by Izumi Shikibu (Japan, b 974?), thanks to Maureen Flannery
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