The Diary of Izumi Shikibu

the storm was in my heart

Very terrible was the sound of rain…

Of what was I thinking

All the long night through

Listening to the rain against the window?

I was sheltered, but the storm was in my heart.

~The Diary of Izumi Shikibu (Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan)

December 1, 2025, Monday morning … last night’s snow powder left by the season’s first snowfall … mystery creating mist …

First snow! I see it young every winter,
Yet my face grows old
As Winter comes.

~The Diary of Izumi Shikibu (1002-1003 AD)*

In sorrow I gaze upon the sky of Autumn
The clouds are in turmoil
And the wind is high. ~The Diary of Izumi Shikibu

First snow! I see it young every winter,
Yet my face grows old
As Winter comes. ~ The Diary of Izumi Shikibu*

*cited: Trans: Annie Shepley Omori & Kochi Doi Diaries of Court Ladies of Old Japan