I
I have always known
That at last I would
Take this road, but yesterday
I did not know that it would be today.
NARIHIRA (9th century)
II
A strange old man
Stops me,
Looking out of my deep mirror.
HITOMARO
III
We are, you and me,
Like two pine needles
Which will dry and fall
But never separate.
Anonymous
IV
Out of the darkness
on a dark path,
I now set out.
Shine on me,
moon of the mountain edge.
IZUMI SHIKIBU
(Translation from Japanese by Kenneth Rexroth)
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