*Vespasian Cough*
*(after Shiki)*
The snake has grappled
my throat. I think I'm about
to re-enter stone.
As well my own respiratory illness and the Emperor Vespasian's last joke,
this piece is loosely suggested by a famous poem, written shortly before his
death from tuberculosis, by Masoaka Shiki (1867-1902):
hechima saite tan no tsumarishi hotoke kana
The snake gourd blossoms.
My throat is blocked with phelgm.
I am already a Buddha.
--
David Joseph Bircumshaw
Website and A Chide's Alphabet
http://www.staplednapkin.org.uk
The Animal Subsides http://www.arrowheadpress.co.uk/books/animal.html
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/david.bircumshaw
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blog: http://groggydays.blogspot.com/
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