Sorry I haven't posted one of these in a few weeks... you know... new baby and all... Not like anyone ever reads these things anyway ^_^

I really like and relate to this one! In fact it seems to be a perfect depiction of how I felt during an 11 year obsession with someone. I really should share that story someday... but not today. ;)

It is ( Read more... )

If in my longing
my suffering soul should flee-
run away to hide-
what will be the stories told
about my lifeless body?

The Kokinshu is a compilation of well over a thousand short poems composed by Japanese poets in the Heian period (as ordered by Emperer Uda).  It dates all the way back  roughly to the year 905.  I have fallen in love with these ( Read more... )

It seems my love wants me to die of this longing-
all the jet black night he comes to me in dreams;
to keep hopeless passion burning.

The Kokinshu is a compilation of well over a thousand short poems composed by Japanese poets in the Heian period (as ordered by Emperer Uda).  It dates all the way back  roughly to the year 905.  I have fallen in love ( Read more... )

I have sunk to the bottom...
and like the rootless shifting water
weeds, should the
currents summon me,
I too would drift away.

--Ono no Komachi


( Read more... )

Irrationally, I long for my love;
whether asleep or awake-
Where can I send my heart
that it may forget you in peace?

The Kokinshu contains so many poems of yearning for a love that is absent or cannot be obtained.  These are the poems that speak to me the most.

The Kokinshu is a compilation of well over a thousand short poems composed by Japanese ( Read more... )

I didn't really do much over the summer. I only have one highlight, but it's one that I found unique and exciting. I had the privledge of going to a Bon Odori festival. Bon Odori is a yearly Japanese festival for the dead. The dead are supposed to come back during this time. The Bon Odri dance is in honor of them. People generally celebrate obon in ( Read more... )

My appearance may
be bleak as the rotting trees
hidden deep in the
mountains, but within my heart
flowers can bloom if you will it.
-Kengei

The Kokinshu is a compilation of well over a thousand short poems composed by Japanese poets in the Heian period (as ordered by Emperer Uda).  It dates all the way back  roughly to the year 905.  I have fallen in ( Read more... )