Here is a greedy man who keeps to himselfThe beautiful pears ripe in his garden.

Days and months are travellers of eternity. So are the years that pass by. Those who steer a boat across the sea, or drive a horse over the earth till they succumb to the weight of years, spend every minute of their lives travelling. There are a great number of ancients, too, who died on the road. I myself have been tempted for a long time by the cloud-moving wind - filled with a strong desire to wander.

At one time I was weary of verse writing, and wanted to give it up. At another time I was determined to be a poet until I could establish a proud name over others. The alternatives battled in my mind and made my life restless.

この道や行く人なしに秋の暮れ

The River Mogami has drownedFar and deepBeneath its surging wavesThe flaming sun of summer

A bush-warbler,Coming to the verandah-edge,Left its droppingsOn the rice-cakes.