she said
age is just a number
so typical
of the young
not understanding
age is more
than a number
but the creaking of bones
in the morning
the shortness of breath
after climbing 5 long flights
the slow diminishing of sight
when reading those beloved books
and the hearing of beating wings
as that dark angel
draws closer
as each night falls
on aging
On a birthday by Ariwara no Narihira
Cherry blossoms,
scatter and hide it,
that road they say
old age comes by–
make him lose his way!
translated by Hiroaki Sato & Burton Watson
anonymous tanka 12 from The Kokinshu
If I’d known
it was old age calling,
I’d have locked the door,
said “No one home!”
and refused to see him.
translated by Hiroaki Sato & Burton Watson