Classical Poetry of Fukuoka

When the east wind blows toward you, send me your fragrance, beloved plum— though I am gone, do not forget to bloom.

What good are silver, gold, or jewels— what treasure could ever surpass the priceless worth of a child?

A single plum blossom— just that much warmth returns to the world

I, Okura, must take my leave now— my child is surely crying, and his mother waits for me.

Like the tiny lily blooming unseen in summer's tangled wild meadow— this love unknown to you is agony

When mist rises at the inn by the sea where you journey— know it is my sighing breath, longing for you.

Each spring the cherry blossoms bloom without fail, Yet whether we shall meet again to see them— That depends upon the fragile thread of life.

When the New Year dawns and spring arrives, let us gather beneath the plum blossoms— just so, let our joy be complete.

This world weighs heavy— burdensome, bitter, unbearable— yet I cannot fly away, for I am no bird.

In my garden, plum blossoms fall— could it be snow drifting down from the distant heavens?