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The Dance of the Dust on the Rafters: Selections from Ryojin-hisho

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This collection of Japanese folk poetry is translated into English in a manner that requires no explanatory notes or extensive introduction. A handful may require some knowledge of the religious context, one or two require a bit of geography but the rest are enjoyable English poetry independent of its Japanese origins. Expect the conciseness typical of Japanese poetry. Assume abundant nature imagery. Add a dash of humor and of romatic love. You now have a proper image of this poetry.

Example: "Things that are especially fleet are / the falcon and the peregrine, / the great hawk/ flying from the hand/ of the hunter,/ waterfalls,/ bundles of firewood/ tumbling down the hill,/ and the answers/ to your prayers/ to the gods/ Sansho and Gosho."

If you read Chinese and/or Japanese poetry, this is a must read.