thirty one

Things I Want Decided

Which shouldn't exist

in this world,

the one who forgets

or the one

who is forgotten?

Which is better,

to love

one has died

or not to see

each other when you're alive?

Which is better,

the distant lover

you long for

or the one you see daily

without desire?

which is the least unreliable

among fickle things---

the swift rapids,

a flowing river,

or this human world?

by Izumi Shikibu