Someone passes,
and while I wonder
if it is he,
the midnight moon
is covered with clouds.

--Lady Murasaki (tr Rexroth)


Night in the garden;
someone passes. I wonder
if it could be him
as the moon, till now unseen,
disappears behind a cloud.

(my new tr.)

Steps in the garden.
And while i wonder whether
it is he i seek,
the terrible plenilune
slides behind a cloud curtain.

(10/02)