H  A  I  K  U     S  P  I  R  I  T
Shuson Kato


kato




I crush an ant
I am the one my three kids
watch






Bedsick
It is a winter tree
that attracts my eyes






When I ask for the way
the lane fills up
with half naked kids






The eyes of the pheasant
sold
at the market






Sleeping insect
I would love death
to have this face






Temple in the wind
a coin resounds
in a collection box






When I take off my hat
the blue night spreads
winter sky






In the fire
this walking ant
will end






Clouds banking up
city of ashes
as far as the eye can see





Winter seagulls
no roof for the living
no grave for the dead






Tax man pouring with sweat
the penniless teacher
burst out laughing together






On this atomic bomb picture
like me the dead are gaping
I am cold






Dead leaf
finally touches the ground
time in slow motion






After death
six foot under the frost
will be enough for me






What fits my children
no longer fits me
new calendar






-





 
Until it has become
a floorcloth
my old summer kimono






Fishermen laying
a shark
in the snow






Pine branches removed
faces badly shaved
all over the place






Midwinter thunder
shaking the pane
in the heart of the night






Men and sheep
put on weight again
millet is ripe!

 



Translation: Gilles Fabre






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