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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

separated, more longing

Issa Original 1822
鹿鳴や川をへだてて忍ぶ恋
shika naku ya kawa wo hedatete shinobu koi

David’s English
they cry to each other
across a river
deer in love

The third phrase might also be translated, "secret love" or "enduring love."

1822, Age 60
Third Month, 10th day, his third son, Konzaburô, is born.
Next year, his wife, Kiku, dies.

sakuo haiku
東西別れてつのる幻の鹿
separated to East and West
more longing for
deer of phantom