冬
When I was looking out at Mt Ogura—
snow on the mountain
far along forgotten paths
tempts the errant mind
sitting in a six-mat room
lights dancing on the water
夏
Stopping by Mitarashigawa—
each year at this time
I light a candle for you
set it on the stream
to guide you on your journey
letting you go once again
春
On the banks of the Kamo near Shijō-dōri—
meeting on the river
fragrant blossoms drifting down
poetry and song
great white egret spreads its wings
beautiful Okuni smiles
秋
Taking a wrong turn on Higashiyama—
on the shadow side
a solitary teahouse
framed in autumn hues
no one ever comes this way
just the hototogisu
冬
Walking alone on Shirakawa near Gion Shinbashi—
clear cold winter’s morn
heron in the quiet stream
longing to return
up into the icy air
wings against the silver moon
