When I am sad I can't write a sad poem.
All I can do is endure my tears.
When I'm happy I don't write a happy poem.
I amuse myself doing other things.

When I write a poem my heart is as calm
as a mountain lake far away from human habitation.
With its feelings of joy, anger, sorrow and pleasure laid sunken on its bed,
it is quietly spreading its ripples.

Believing in 'the true and the good' lurking in 'the beautiful',
I place words hesitantly.
If you are kind enough to read them,
your heart will change the host of typed words into 'poetry'.

Translated by William I. Elliott and Kazuo Kawamura