A gesture of mourning -- from a very long time ago.

This spring I cut off
a great deal of my hair
and carried it outside
to the bright chilly wind,
to the stiffly blowing weeds,
for the birds to carry away
for their nests.

As I bid it good-bye
I could see glints red and gold,
a princess hidden in brunette.
Last year I combed long tresses
in a wind full of pride--
like a woman with a lover.

But now, this is
a year for sacrifice,
So Witness, You Land Spirits!
I leave it here for the winged ones
--my proud hair--
with humbleness and mourning.