Narrow Road to the Interior by Matsuo Basho

Author:Matsuo Basho
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shambhala

Mount Shirane faded behind us and Mount Hina began to appear. We crossed Asamuzu Bridge and saw the legendary “reeds of Tamae” in bloom. We crossed Uguisu Barrier at Yuno-o Pass and passed by the ruins of Hiuchi Castle. On Returning Hill we heard the first wild geese of autumn. We arrived at Tsuruga Harbor on the evening of the fouteenth day of the eighth moon. The harbor moonlight was marvelously bright.

I asked at the inn, “Will we have this view tomorrow night?” The innkeeper said, “Can’t guarantee weather in Koshiji. It may be clear, but then again it may turn overcast. It may rain.” We drank sake with the innkeeper, then paid a late visit to the Kei Myōjin Shrine honoring the second-century Emperor Chūai. A great spirituality—moonlight in pines, white sands like a touch of frost. In ancient times Yugyō, the second high priest, himself cleared away the grounds, carried stones, and built drains. To this day, people carry sands to the shrine. “Yugyō-no-sunamochi,” the innkeeper explained, “Yugyō’s sand-bringing.”

Transparent moonlight,

just as it shone when Yugyō

carried sand to the shrine

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