| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from Kwaidan by Lafcadio Hearn: brightly-colored silk, often beautifully variegated. In taking off the
haori, the brilliant lining is displayed,-- and at such an instant the
fluttering splendor might well be likened to the appearance of a butterfly
in motion.
[3] The bird-catcher's pole is smeared with bird-lime; and the verses
suggest that the insect is preventing the man from using his pole, by
persistently getting in the way of it,-- as the birds might take warning
from seeing the butterfly limed. Jama suru means "to hinder" or "prevent."
[4] Even while it is resting, the wings of the butterfly may be seen to
quiver at moments,-- as if the creature were dreaming of flight.
[5] A little poem by Basho, greatest of all Japanese composers of hokku.
Kwaidan |
The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Arizona Nights by Stewart Edward White: packed up earlier in the evening. Our blankets we wrapped around
our shoulders, our feet we hung over the ledge toward the blaze,
our backs we leaned against the hollow slant of the cave's
wall. We were not uncomfortable. The beat of the rain sprang up
in the darkness, growing louder and louder, like horsemen passing
on a hard road. Gradually we dozed off.
For a time everything was pleasant. Dreams came fused with
realities; the firelight faded from consciousness or returned
fantastic to our half-awakening; a delicious numbness overspread
our tired bodies. The shadows leaped, became solid, monstrous.
We fell asleep.
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