Lewis Alexander, "A Group of Japanese Hokku" (1926)
Give me your words of silence,
Yes, your charming speech.
Why sit like the sphinx,
Watching the caravan pass?
Join in the parade.
What if the wind blows?
What if the leaves are scattered,
Now that they are dead?
This is but my robe,
His Majesty gave to me.
Garments will decay.