The Ujii Temple,

where the Autumn leaves excelled,

north of the city,

was the perfect place to think

of evanescence

and Life’s deep disappointments.

The religious path

suddenly seemed attractive,

but he could not leave Nijo

and Murasaki.

He wrote to Fujitsubo:

Mist obscures the moon,

but she was implacable.

Having chosen retreat,

she could only gaze on snow.