JAPANESE LOVE POETRY
While the new forms are highly influenced by the introduction of American and European poetry into Japan after the Second World War, the traditional styles like waka and haiku were revived by poets such as Yosano Tekkan and Masaoka Shiki.
The writers at My Word Wizard have fallen in love with the work of a young Japanese poet named Daichi Matsui. He was kind enough to pen some original verses especially for us.
We hope you enjoy these beautiful examples of amorous poems from Japan.
Renewal
You found me at my nadir
When despair attained new heights
I was cold to you
Unfeeling
You drew me out
Made me feel
Nourished my soul
Made me love again
From Afar
I stare at you endlessly
from afar.
Eager to approach.
I do not.
I know you by your newspaper,
Half crinkled,
Half covering the intense sensuality
of your eyes.
One eye glances toward me,
but not at me.
It surveys the sign above my head.
'Gōyā Chanpurū' it reads.
I have loved you
from our very first non-meeting.
You are kind to let me stare
at you for hours on end.
Graciously never acknowledging my gaze,
surely to save me from embarrassment.
‘Happy Birthday Mr. Yamashiro!’
a waiter calls out in Okinawan.
It is your birthday,
A revelation
I pick up my purse
Place some money on the table
And walk out into the wintry night
Where Are You?
It was an early April Morning
Nearly thirty years ago
You were 8
And I, not quite 7
I fell off a swing,
bruised only slightly,
but a traumatic experience
for a little girl.
You, a red blooded boy,
hater of girls,
came to my aid.
You wiped the blood off my forehead
with your brilliant white shirt,
as I lay on muddied earth
'neath a cherry blossom.
Wounded, but secure in your care
I loved you then
I will always love you
Where are you now?
Sublime
Two hands held tightly
Unconsciously welded together
Two lives now one
I am proud to walk with you
Overjoyed to share this world with you
My delight is abundant
My love sublime
Forever
High atop a vast ridge
I gaze at the world below
and think of you.
I always think of you.
My love is everlasting
My passion eternal.
These few precious moments alone
fuel my ravenous desire
For you.
They nourish my fervor,
For you.
Fan my fears
of losing you.
Kindness is your virtue
Inner beauty your advantage
Can I cling to one such as you?
Carry on with one like you
Forever?
Love me and I will always love you
Forever