Mirror | rorriM

When the netted fence of spiderwebs
that darkens my ruined house
can hold the wind in its strands–
that’s when these troubled thoughts
will blow away…

Izumi Shikibu

This heart,
longing for you,
breaks
to a thousand pieces–
I wouldn’t lose one.

Izumi Shikibu

It seemed the plum trees
were already in bloom
but when I picked a branch
what fell –so much like flowers–
was snow.

Izumi Shikibu

You ask my thoughts
through the long night?
I spent it listening
to the heavy rain
beating against the windows.

Izumi Shikibu

In my loneliness
I break and burn
twigs for the snapping fire–
in this wintery mountain village,
hoping the smoke at least won’t leave.

Izumi Shikibu

Seeing you is the thread
that ties me to this life–
if that knot
were cut this moment,
I’d have no regret.

Izumi Shikibu

Nothing
in the world
is usual today.
This is
the first morning.

Izumi Shikibu