Page:Fifteen Poets of Modern Japan - A Book of Translations (1928).pdf/20

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20
Fifteen Poets of

Tokoku Kitamura

The Parting of the Butterflies

Two butterflies on a branch,
Resting, their wings lowered.
The grass droops beneath the weight of dew;
Flowers fade before the cruelty of autumn.

Without a sign to each other
The butterflies rise together
And soar away.
Behind them, the lonely field;
Before them, a cold wind.
Their dreams are all of departed spring.
They wonder where to go.

Two butterflies filled with the same sorrow;
Four wings that are heavy.
Though they fly together
They dread the sword of autumn.
Male and female, both weary,
Return.