Ono no Komachi

I came across this poet in Penguin's Book of Women Poets. "Renowned for her beauty and talent she served at Court in the middle of the ninth century. Stories of her life are part of the folklore of Japan."

A thing which fades
With no outward sign-
Is the flower
Of the heart of man
In this world!
(translated by Arthur Waley)

So lonely am I
My body is a floating weed
Severed at the roots.
Were there water to entice me,
I would follow it, I think.
(translated by Donald Keane)

I enjoy the simplicity and the imagery that they bring to mind. As well as the age old sentiment..of love and loss..