OSPREYS CRY

Cheereek! cheereek! ospreys cry

ospreys above their riverside nest.

That fine lady, exquisite mystery—

what a match for a worthy man.

The floating-heart’s ragged leaves

drift this current here and there.

That fine lady, exquisite mystery—

waking and sleeping I sought her,

sought her but never reached her,

waking and sleeping, all devoted

longing and longing on and on,

tossing and turning side to side.

The floating-heart’s ragged leaves,

from every side I gather them in,

and my fine lady, exquisite mystery—

with quiet ch’in song I befriend her.

The floating-heart’s ragged leaves,

from every side I bring them in,

and my fine lady, exquisite mystery—

with drums and bells I delight her.