20
Fifteen Poets of
Tokoku Kitamura
The Parting of the Butterflies
Two butterflies on a branch,
Resting, their wings lowered.
The grass droops beneath the weight of dew;
Flowers fade before the cruelty of autumn.
Resting, their wings lowered.
The grass droops beneath the weight of dew;
Flowers fade before the cruelty of autumn.
Without a sign to each other
The butterflies rise together
And soar away.
Behind them, the lonely field;
Before them, a cold wind.
Their dreams are all of departed spring.
They wonder where to go.
The butterflies rise together
And soar away.
Behind them, the lonely field;
Before them, a cold wind.
Their dreams are all of departed spring.
They wonder where to go.
Two butterflies filled with the same sorrow;
Four wings that are heavy.
Though they fly together
They dread the sword of autumn.
Male and female, both weary,
Return.
Four wings that are heavy.
Though they fly together
They dread the sword of autumn.
Male and female, both weary,
Return.
