Tangled Hair
by Akiko Yosano, translated by Shio Sakanishi
4589887Tangled HairShio SakanishiAkiko Yosano

Tracks in the Mud

Whose cart got into difficulty here?
The mud opened its mouth two feet wide
And stuck tightly to the iron wheels.
There are traces of a man
Who slipped many times.

Then, using his legs as a lever,
Mustering up his whole strength,
He pulled the cart up in one breath.
Had he been made of iron,
He would have given off sparks.

Ah, indeed, a man who strives hard
Stakes his one life sometimes
Even for a trifle.