Poems of Izumi Shikibu (10th century)

Her poems and correspondence, part of a tradition of court love poetry, frequently combine erotic and romantic longing with Buddhist contemplation. In Love Poems from the Japanese (2003), poet and translator Kenneth Rexroth noted of Shikibu, “Of all the poets of the classical period, she has, to my mind, the deepest and most poignant Buddhist sensibility.”

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/izumi-shikibu

I cannot say
which is which:
the glowing
plum blossom is
the spring night’s moon.

*

If the one I’ve waited for
came now, what should I do?
This morning’s garden filled with snow
is far too lovely
for footsteps to mar

*

Although I try
to hold the single thought
of Buddha’s teaching in my heart,
I cannot help but hear
the many crickets’ voices calling as well.

*

*

Nothing

in the world

is usual today.

This is

the first morning.

*

Watching the moon,

at midnight,

solitary, mid-sky,

I knew myself completely,

no part left out.

*

Come quickly,

as soon as these flowers open

they fall.

This world exists

as a sheen of dew on flowers.

*

About A.D.

Generally just Being. Nothing in particular, no claims to fame. I like gardening and the sea, nature, art in all forms from poetry to films and everything in between, and being in the company of my family.