The Dance of the Dust on the Rafters: Selections from Ryojin-hisho

By David Jenkins

These folk song, amongst the oldest in Japan, originated in the street, with the common people. These songs resonate with spirit--lusty and devotional, they are visions of love and faith. Filled with diverse feelings and experiences, sung by many voices, all of these songs come from the heart. [Former Brooken Moon Press title transferred to White Pine Press.]

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0913089109
• ISBN13: 9780913089101
• Release Date: December 1989
• Publisher: White Pine Press
• Length: 145 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.4" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Poetry that works in English

This collection of Japanese folk poetry is translated into English in a manner that requires no explanatory notes or extensive introduction. A handful may require some knowledge of the religious context, one or two require a bit of geography but the rest are enjoyable English poetry independent of its Japanese origins. Expect the conciseness typical of Japanese poetry. Assume abundant nature imagery. Add a dash of humor and of romatic love. You now have a proper image of this poetry.Example: "Things that are especially fleet are / the falcon and the peregrine, / the great hawk/ flying from the hand/ of the hunter,/ waterfalls,/ bundles of firewood/ tumbling down the hill,/ and the answers/ to your prayers/ to the gods/ Sansho and Gosho."If you read Chinese and/or Japanese poetry, this is a must read.