Something special happened to painting in Italy in the 15th Century and to music in America and England in the middle of the last century. Something also must have happened to poetry in Japan around the turn of the 20th Century because I have been intermittently reading the Penguin Book of Japanese Verse with subtle pleasureContinue reading “Bedraggled Ostrich”
Tag Archives: japanese
Behind the long stare
When I was young Hands pulled at my skirt. Now children and grandchildren Tug at my hands Seventh Century Japanese rice-planting song
Poem of solitary delight
What a delight it is When, of a morning, I get up and go out To find in full bloom a flower That yesterday was not there. Tachibana Akemi (1812-1868)
If I had known…
If I had known That old age would call, I’d have shut my gate, Replied ‘Not at home!’ And refused to meet him. Anonymous Japanese poet, c. 905
I would conceal it, yet
I would conceal it, yet In my looks it is shown – My love, so plain That men ask of me ‘Do you not brood on things?’ Taira Kanemori, mid 10th Century
