Today’s skies are perfect for a clear
flute and singing koto. And touched
this deeply by those laid under these
cypress trees, how could we neglect joy?
Clear songs drift away anew. Emerald wine
starts pious faces smiling. Not knowing
what tomorrow brings, it’s exquisite
exhausting whatever I feel here and now.
translated by David Hinton
I imagine that it would be blissful under the cypress trees. But why am I thinking of Hemingway in Spain. waiting with guns.
Or do old men dream too often or not often enough?
Memories mixed with dreams weigh heavy in old age.