Waka Poems - Poems about Waka

This world? Moonlit dew flicked from a crane’s bill. —Eihei Dogen Kigen translation by Michael R. Burch Seventy-one? How long can a dewdrop last? —Eihei Dogen Kigen translation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Dewdrops beading grass-blades die before dawn; may an untimely wind not hasten their departure! —Eihei Dogen Kigen translation by Michael R. Burch Outside my window the plums, blossoming, within their curled...

Continue reading...

Ono no Komachi Translations These are my modern English translations of the ancient Japanese poems of Ono no Komachi… "It's over!" Your words drizzle like dismal rains, bringing tears, as I wilt with my years. —Ono no Komachi, translation by Michael R. Burch The wildflowers and my love wilted with the rain as I idly wondered where in the past does love remain? —Ono no Komachi,...

Continue reading...

These are translations of some of the oldest Japanese waka, which evolved into tanka, renga and haiku. While you decline to cry, high on the mountainside a single stalk of plumegrass wilts. —O no Yasumaro (circa 711), translation by Michael R. Burch Hush, cawing crows; what rackets you make! Heaven's indignant messengers, you remind me of wordsmiths! —O no Yasumaro, translation by...

Continue reading...

As I slept in isolation my desired beloved appeared to me; therefore, dreams have become my reality and consolation. —Ono no Komachi, translation by Michael R. Burch Submit to you—is that what you advise? The way the ripples do whenever ill winds arise? —Ono no Komachi, translation by Michael R. Burch Watching wan moonlight flooding tree limbs, my heart also...

Continue reading...

welcoming the sun ...

Continue reading...