Songs of a Cowherd/Yawata Shrine in Katsushika

Songs of a Cowherd
by Itō Sachio, translated by Shio Sakanishi
4621300Songs of a CowherdShio SakanishiItō Sachio

Yawata Shrine in Katsushika

(Through the avenue of a thousand Gingko trees)

Large gingko trees
Surrounding the shrine
Reflect the evening glow
And are dazzlingly bright.

Though it is called a town,
Houses are few and scattered;
At dusk none walks the street;
Stars alone gleam over the sacred grove.