Death
July 6, 2023Jerusalem Delivered – Book 06 – part 07
July 6, 2023First Love
you had swept back your bangs for the first time
when I saw you under the apple tree
the flower-comb in your hair
I thought you yourself were a flower too.
you stretched out your pale white hand gently
giving me an apple:
like the ripening red of the autumn fruit
my first feeling of love
my sigh, without any awareness
touched your hair
the joys of love’s offerings
drinking your love…
under a tree in the apple orchard
nature’s narrow road
who left this token here?
your question gave me a piercing pleasure.
Toson Shimazaki
Toson Shimazaki (1872-1943) was a Japanese novelist and poet who is known for his works that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition. He was a leading figure in the Japanese literary world of the early 20th century and his works continue to be celebrated for their insight into the culture and history of Japan.