Classic Poem

Over the big
red-painted bridge
she crosses the
Katashiwa River,
trailing
her crimson skirts,
wearing a cloak dyed
with mountain indigo,
all by herself
passing over —
Has she a husband
young as grass?
does she sleep alone
like an acorn from an oak?
I don't know where
that young girl's house is,
and how I'd like to ask!

ENVOY

If I had a house
by the side of the bridge
I'd give her lodging,
that girl who looks so sad,
going all alone!