Page:Anthology of Japanese Literature.pdf/39

Rh But few are the nights We two have lain together.

Away I have come, parting from her Even as the creeping vines do part. My heart aches within me; I turn back to gaze— But because of the yellow leaves Of Watari Hill, Flying and fluttering in the air, I cannot see plainly My wife waving her sleeve to me. Now as the moon, sailing through the cloud-rift Above the mountain of Yakami, Disappears, leaving me full of regret, So vanishes my love out of sight; Now sinks at last the sun, Coursing down the western sky.

I thought myself a strong man, But the sleeves of my garment Are wetted through with tears.

My black steed Galloping fast, Away have I come, Leaving under distant skies The dwelling place of my love.

Oh, yellow leaves Falling on the autumn hill, Cease a while To fly and flutter in the air, That I may see my love’s dwelling place! Kakinomoto Hitomaro (Seventh Century)