The Ink Dark Moon

Love Poems by Ono no Komachi anmd Izumi Shikibu, Women of the Ancient Court of Japan

These translated poems were written by two women of the Heian court of Japan between the ninth and eleventh centuries A.D.

The poems speak intimately of their authors' sexual longing, fulfillment and disillusionment.
Ono no Komachi was a Japanese poet, known as one of the best waka poets of the early Heian period. She ranks as one of the 36 Poetry Immortals of Japan. In addition to her art, she was known for her great beauty. Her name, Komachi, is often used to describe beauty in her native Japan. View titles by Ono no Komachi
Izumi Shikibu was a Japanese poet, born around 976 AD. She is considered by many scholars and literary critics to have been the greatest woman poet of the Heian period. View titles by Izumi Shikibu

About

These translated poems were written by two women of the Heian court of Japan between the ninth and eleventh centuries A.D.

The poems speak intimately of their authors' sexual longing, fulfillment and disillusionment.

Author

Ono no Komachi was a Japanese poet, known as one of the best waka poets of the early Heian period. She ranks as one of the 36 Poetry Immortals of Japan. In addition to her art, she was known for her great beauty. Her name, Komachi, is often used to describe beauty in her native Japan. View titles by Ono no Komachi
Izumi Shikibu was a Japanese poet, born around 976 AD. She is considered by many scholars and literary critics to have been the greatest woman poet of the Heian period. View titles by Izumi Shikibu

Get Inspired! Books for After-School Clubs & Activities

Coordinating after-school clubs and activities in your school community? Explore our collection of books that will help students discover their passion for new (and screen-free!) hobbies. Focusing on topics such as art, board games, crafting, cooking, nature, sports, and more—these books are bound to spark imagination and movement. Browse the middle school and high school

Read more