Man’yoshu
41
As the stream that flows never returns,
And as the wind that blows is never seen,
My wife, of this world, has left me,
Gone I know not whither!
So here, on the sleeves of these clothes
She used to have me wear,
I sleep now all alone!
ENVOY
Cranes call flying to the reedy shore;
How desolate I remain
As I sleep alone!
Tajihi (Eighth Century)
• •
Oh how steadily I love you—
You who awe me
Like the thunderous waves
That lash the seacoast of Ise!
Lady Kasa (Eighth Century)
• •
More sad thoughts crowd into my mind
When evening comes; for then,
Appears your phantom shape—
Speaking as I have known you speak.
Lady Kasa
• •
If it were death to love,
I should have died—
And died again
One thousand times over.
Lady Kasa
