I've long enjoyed the poetry of Saigyo. I just finished a brilliantly translated anthology of his poems. I found two of them particularly compelling. Here they are:
Since I no longer think
of reality
as reality,
what reason would I have
to think of dreams as dreams?
(From "One Hundred Poems: Ten Poems on Impermanence")
Why should I resent
a person's growing cold?
Time was
when he didn't know me
and I didn't know him either
(From poems on love)
7 comments:
Michael, I am taking my reading cues from you lately. After you posted a Ryokan poem, I order two books that I am in the middle of now and really enjoying. Now, I must read this poet. Thanks!
Hi Kim,
Saigyo is well worth the effort.
He sounds very sage, but very sad. Interesting work.
I also meant to tell you that I love the photo.
Thanks, Kim.
Actually, Kohai, his poetry spans the range of human emotions. I just happen to like these two poems.
I should check it out, when I have more time and less reading stacked up...
My pleasure, g.
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