Poems

A bat flits A bat flits in moonlight above the plum blossoms. Translated by Robert Hass

Before the white chrysanthemum Before the white chrysanthemum the scissors hesitate a moment. Translated by Robert Hass

Blow of an ax Blow of an ax, pine scent, the winter woods. Translated by Robert Hass

Blown from the west Blown from the west, fallen leaves gather in the east. Translated by Robert Hass

Buying leeks Buying leeks and walking home under the bare trees. Translated by Robert Hass

Calligraphy of geese Calligraphy of geese against the sky– the moon seals it. Translated by Robert Hass

Coolness Coolness– the sound of the bell as it leaves the bell. Translated by Robert Hass

Dawn Dawn– fish the cormorants haven’t caught swimming in the shallows. Translated by Robert Hass

Early summer rain Early summer rain– houses facing the river, two of them. Translated by Robert Hass

Elegy to the Old Man Hokuju You left in the morning, at evening my heart is in a thousand pieces. Why is it so far away? […]