Fifteen Poets of Modern Japan/Takuboku Ishikawa
Takuboku Ishikawa
1
A hundred timesI traced in the sandThe character signifying “greatness.”Then I arose and departed,Forsaking my plan of suicide.
2
To die? For what? For this?To live, then! For what? For this?Let the argument cease!
3
I climbed to the top of the mountain.I took off my hat and waved it.I came down.
4
The stupid people struggleAnd crowd forward to draw lots.I feel inclined to draw one myself.
5
Whenever I get angryI shall break a dish.Before I dieI shall have brokenNine hundred and ninety-nine.
6
I went into a vacant houseAnd smoked cigarettes.I wished to be alone.
7
In the soft drift of snowI buried my hot cheek.I desired that kind of love.
8
I came to a shop filled with mirrors,And was amazedAt the miserable spectacleOf myself walking.
9
I wanted to ride on the train,But when I got offI had no place to go.
10
I longed to say something goodOf someone.I had grown tiredOf my own selfishness.
11
Feeling inclined toward charity,I agreed with a friend of mineWho is conceited.