Manyoshu

Manyoshu

Full text of Manyoshu, internet archive: The Nippon Gakujutsu Shmkdkai Translation of ONE THOUSAND POEMS


The gentle winds at Asuka
That fluttered the ladies' sleeves -
Now that the court is far removed,
Those breezes blow in vain.


To speed my brother
Parting for Yamato, 

In the deep of night I stood
Till wet with the dew of dawn.

The lonely autumn mountains
Are hard to pass over
Even when two go together -

How does my brother cross them all alone!

Show images for: Mallards

Show images for: Japanese Malards

Birdist Rule #79: Think of Something Nice to Say About Mallards

Nocturnal Designs in Japanese Prints

Taken from the met link: Mallard Duck and Snow-covered Reeds ca. 1832 Utagawa Hiroshige Japanese

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Deer that seeks the hagi flowers for mate 
Brings forth a single fawn, it is told;

My son, single as that fawn, now starts 
Upon his travels, grass for pillow;

And I, purified, hang a string of bamboo-rings
And, setting out the sacred wine-jar
Dressed with mulberry cloth.
Implore the gods.

May he of whom I think
Ever travel safe and sound.

Envoy 
*****
When hoar-frost falls on the plain
Where the traveler shelters,
Cover my darling with your wings,
O flock of cranes of heaven!

Show images for: hagi flowers japan

Read about Hagi (Bush Clover) flower at Japan Journal

Show images for: Mulberry trees

Show images for: Japan Mulberry cloth