In a dim dawn sky, the last moments of moonlight faintly illuminate Mount Fuji’s summit. I ponder whether I will ever again see  the flower tipped [cherry] trees of Ueno and Yanaka. My favourite disciples gathered last evening, and this morning ride the boat to see me off. We alight at Senju and I am filled with emotion as I consider the vast journey I am about to undertake. While aware of the illusory nature of the world, I am still moved to shed a tear as I come to the parting in the road where my travels begin.

行春や鳥啼魚の目は泪

Yuku haru ya / tori naki uo no / me wa namida

(how glorious is spring after the depths of winter) Spring eventually disappears
Causing the birds to cry
Tears glisten in the eyes of fish.

This is the first poem I pen with my travel-set of pen and ink. but slowly. My friends line the road, and will likely not move until we are out of sight.