Short Poems

Tomorrow, tomorrow, we have tomorrow.
A spring night will soon see the day.
Bring the boat ashore, bring the boat ashore!
With a rod for a cane,
let's find our twig gate.
Chigukch'ong chigukch'ong osawa.
This angler's life is
how I shall pass my days.

Let's return to the shore,
twilight trails in the west.
Lower sail, lower sail!
How supple and sweet
willows and flowers on the riverbank!
Chigukch'ong chigukch'ong osawa.
Who would envy three dukes?
Who would now think of earthly affairs?

The sun's fair rays are shining.
Water shimmers like oil.
Row away, row away!
Should we cast a net,
or drop a line on such a day?
Chigukch'ong chigukch'ong osawa.
The Fisherman's Song stirs my fancy;
I have forgotten all about fishing.

You blessëd bowers, whose green leaves now are spreading,
Shadow the sunshine from my mistress' face.
And you, sweet roses, only for her bedding
When weary she doth take her resting-place
You fair white lilies, and pretty flowers all,
Give your attendance at my lovers call.

Let all the earth their voices raise,
To sing a psalm of lofty praise—
To sing and bless Jehovah's name:
Let all the hosts of heav'n adore,
And praise our God forevermore,—
Let ev'ry tongue his grace proclaim.

Within this silent palace of the Night,
See how the moon, like some huge, phantom moth,
Creeps slowly up across the azure cloth
That hangs between the darkness and the light.

I've forgotten the net and rod
and beat the side of the boat.
Row away, row away!
How many times have I wished
to cross the stream ahead?
Chigukch'ong chigukch'ong osawa.
What if a gale should rise
and set my boat in motion?

The crows hastening to their nests,
how many have flown overhead?
Lower sail, lower sail!
Darkness envelops our homeward path,
evening snow lies thick.
Chigukch'ong chigukch'ong osawa.
Who'll attack Oya Lake

Red cliffs and emerald canyons
enfold us like a painted screen.
Stop the boat, stop the boat!
What does it matter
if I catch any fish or not?
Chigukch'ong chigukch'ong osawa.
In an empty boat, with straw cape and hat,
I sit and my heart beats fast.

On the morning of New Year's Day,
I think even of the Age of Gods.