Songs of a Cowherd/Journey to Shinano Province

Songs of a Cowherd
by Itō Sachio, translated by Shio Sakanishi
4621288Songs of a CowherdShio SakanishiItō Sachio

Journey to Shinano Province

(November 23)

The evening is bitter cold;
Though I must go out of my way,
I shall pay homage at the Enrin Temple
As a memento of my journey.

(November 26)

As the evening sun emerged brightly
And the rainbow, too, appeared,
We rowed out;
But lo! Over Lake Suwa
Sweeps the autumn shower again.

(November 27)

As a stranger comes seeking for
The hot spring of Tateshina,
At every turn of the country road
A stone Buddha guides his way.