Pillar Prints

The Cut Shadow
Who sees the metal of the Temple mirrors
Across the blowing lustre of reflected trees?
So those who look into my heart

See only the faint, surging vision of your face.

Lustre
Your face to me is like the slope of a snow-mountain
In moonlight.

You, too, I cannot look at steadily.

Accolade
"The garden was admirable," she said, nine hundred years ago,

And in saying so, made it immortal.

Green Shadows

The moon on the very white sand of the garden
Is more pleasing to my eyes

Than the silver embroidered dress of the Lady Yasu-rahi,

Since she permits the Lieutenant-General of the Right Bodyguard

To row her in his boat.

Debit
Passing my nights with books,

The morning moon brings a sad greeting.

Payment
After a night of labour

Better a misty sky than a white sunrise.

The Autumn Heart
Faint and far the cry of the migrating geese,

Neither do they come near my house.