Wednesday 8 July 2009

Reading Robert Frost(4)


(photo) an althaes called "sokobeni", that Rikyu(1522-1591), a master of ceremonial tea, loved very much, in Matsudo, Chiba prefecture, japan




Acquainted With The Night


I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain ―and back in rain.
I have outwalked the further city light.

I hve looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-by;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.


We have been afraid of the night since the ancient age and managed to conquer it by various technologies. But the night and silence is the nature of the universe. The night doesn't have nothing, but the moon, namely time. I think those who are acquainted with the night might appreciate the solemnity of the universe beyond right and wrong.

5 comments:

ma grande folle de soeur said...

hello thank u for your visit and haiku from Kerouac. I already knew this one. I like very much your blogue :)

Winter moon said...

It's nice of you to come.

I am very glad you have already known the haiku. I've quoted it to make a story following your haiku. This way of communicating by haikus is called "haikai" in Japan, probably you have already known.

Best regards,

Winter moon

ma grande folle de soeur said...

hello winter moon. I made a comment on my blogue after yours :) but I have a further request for you: would you be interested in translating for me an article written in Japanese by a Japanese Haiku Review about an haiku of mine that has been published in the WHA 2009 nº 5, and quoted & commented on this article that I can't understand? The article is not too long... but feel free in your answer if you don't have time :)) thanks

Winter moon said...

Thank you very much for your comments.

I'm afraid I couldn't help you because I'm not good at translating Japanese into English, and I think it will take time.

I'm looking forward to reading your haikus on your blog.

Take care.

Winter moon

ma grande folle de soeur said...

Thank u anyway. I will have to learn japanese some day :)) to try to understand what have beeen written about this famous haiku.. :)