seasons of kyoto

冬

When I was looking out at Mt Ogura—
 
snow on the mountain
far along forgotten paths
tempts the errant mind
sitting in a six-mat room
lights dancing on the water

夏

Stopping by Mitarashigawa—
 
each year at this time
I light a candle for you
set it on the stream
to guide you on your journey
letting you go once again

春

On the banks of the Kamo near Shijō-dōri—
 
meeting on the river
fragrant blossoms drifting down
poetry and song
great white egret spread its wings
beautiful Okuni smiles

秋

Taking a wrong turn on Higashiyama—
 
on the shadow side
a solitary teahouse
framed in autumn hues
no one ever comes this way
just the hototogisu

冬

Walking alone on Shirakawa near Gion Shinbashi—
 
clear cold winter’s morn
heron in the quiet stream
longing to return
up into the icy air
wings against the silver moon