Hisajo Sugita haiku translations

Hisajo Sugita was an innovative and influential female poet:

I remove my beautiful kimono:
its varied braids
surround and entwine my body
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

This day of chrysanthemums
I shake and comb my wet hair,
as their petals shed rain
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

This sheer kimono―
how the moon peers through
to my naked skin!
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

These festive flowery robes―
though quickly undressed,
how their colored cords still continue to cling!
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Chrysanthemum petals
reveal their pale curves
shyly to the moon.
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Loneliness―
reading the Bible
as the rain deflowers cherry blossoms.
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

How deep this valley,
how elevated the butterfly's flight!
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

How lowly this valley,
how lofty the butterfly's flight!
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Echoes from the hills―
the mountain cuckoo sings as it will,
trill upon trill
―Hisajo Sugita (1890-1946), loose translation by Michael R. Burch