In honor of the Emperor’s Birthday, we present this work by one of modern Japan’s finest poets.

Splendor of an evening sky,
Who can ever fathom its timeless mystery?
Million eyes, when sparkling bright
In the sable sky,
Touch my heart, my lonely heart with serenity.
More than all the countless sands
Ganges river holds
Are the infinite Buddhas who fill this universe,
Ever watchful over us, Throughout day and night.
Hearing this, my lonely heart,
Fills with lasting peace.