Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/321

During the misted darkness Of the last rays of the sun. Shōhaku	Spring (mist). Evening.
The day has ended. Joyously singing, the birds Return to their nest. Sōchō	Spring (birds). Evening.
I walk deep in dark mountains, Not even the sky my guide. Sōgi	Evening. Travel.
Although it has cleared My sleeves are soaked with showers— This traveling cloak. Shōhaku	Travel. The sleeves are wet not only with rain but with tears caused by his lonely journey.
The light of the moon reveals My wretched pillow of grass. Sōchō	Travel. “Pillow of grass” denotes a journey. The traveler with tear-wet sleeves is disclosed by the moon. Night. Autumn (moon).
Many are the vain Nights unvisited by sleep As autumn deepens. Sōgi	Night. Autumn. Love (lying awake at night).
In dreams I quarreled with her; A wind was stirring the reeds. Shōhaku	Night. Autumn (reeds). In his dream he quarrels with his beloved, and wakens to hear the wind. Love.
I looked—all were gone, The friends I loved at home, Vanished without a trace Sōchō	Dream. When he awakens (like Rip van Winkle) his friends are all dead. May also refer to women he loved. Love. Old age.