Classical Poetry of Nara

If only cherry blossoms never existed in this world— how peaceful spring would be

Nara, city of blue-green beauty— like flowers in glorious bloom, your splendor reaches its radiant peak

In the eastern fields, I see the first light rising— turning back, I watch the moon sink low into the west.

Spring has slipped away— and summer, it seems, has come: white robes drying bright on Heaven's Mount Kagu.

Beneath young pines on Nara's hills, a sedge grass hides, unseen— who will treasure what lies forgotten?

Down the Asuka River autumn leaves drift and swirl— the wind from Katsuragi Mountain has begun to blow

Let me die in spring beneath the cherry blossoms— under February's full moon

Like the wild pattern pressed into cloth from young purple grasses of Kasuga— so my heart tangles in endless longing for you.

Why must you veil Mount Miwa so, O spring mist? I too long to slip away unnoticed, hidden from the world.

Share my loneliness, mountain cherry— feel what I feel in this solitude. Beyond your blossoms, I have no friend.