Songs of a Cowherd/Cherry Blossoms

by Itō Sachio

For works with similar titles, see Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms

When I look upon the cherry blossoms
That flash upon the hillside
In the gleam of the bright sun,
I think longingly of the age of the gods.

In a glen between the mountains
Tiring to the feet,
There stands a lonely hut,
And by the thatched eaves,
A cherry tree in full bloom.

On the shore where fisher-lads
Tug at the ropes of the net,
When the wind blows high,
Cherry bloom falls in wild confusion.

To mark the great imperial reign,
Bridle to bridle,
The lords and high councilors ride
To the feast of cherry blossoms.

Heavy with the fumes
Of festive wine,
A noble courtier
Falls from his horse,
Scattering cherry blossoms.