Craig Space: Poetry: Ikkyu Sojun, "My Love's Dark Place Is Fragrant Like Narcissus"

My Love's Dark Place Is Fragrant Like Narcissus

By Ikkyu Sojun

Ikkyu Sojun lived in Japan from 1394-1481, a scandal-ridden Zen master. He was quite the erotic-minded monk and was highly influential in many spheres of art.

About Ikkyu Sojun

At midnight, your face in a dream brings a sigh.
Ch'u's love pavillion was long ago and far away.
But like a blossom on the flowering plum,
sweet narcissus blooms between your thighs.

Source for text and information: "The Erotic Spirit: An Anthology of Poems of Sensuality, Love and Longing", translated, edited w/introduction by Sam Hamill. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1996.

About Ikkyu Sojun

Poetry

Craig Space