White mulberry cloth
Sleeves parted from one another:
How difficult I find it, yet,
Such is the tumult of my thoughts,
I forgave his leaving. ~ Anonymous
(cited: Waka Poetry

Photograph submitted in response to The Life of B’s monthly square challenge … the absolute rule – Your main photograph must be square in shape!

Because of this, sad, sad has the whole day been to me.
You must go forth and journey, far, very far.
The time has come when you, the maiden, must go.
The light boat ascends the great river.
Your particular bitterness is to have none from whom you may claim support.
I have cherished you. I have pondered over you. I have been increasingly gentle and tender to you.
A child taken from those who have cared for it—
On both sides separation brings the tears which will not cease.
Facing this, the very centre of the bowels is knotted.
It is your duty, you must go. It is scarcely possible to delay farther. ... ~Wei Ying-Wu 
(cited: Trans: F Ayscough & A Lowell, Fir-Flower Tablets 

Photograph submitted in response to The Life of B’s monthly square challenge … the absolute rule – Your main photograph must be square in shape!