The Boatman Searches and Returns

 
Boatman, whom did you leave behind at home?
Dock your boat at the empty shore,
Cast your gaze afar, O boatman…
Whom did you leave behind at home?


Have you found her,
The one you sail searching for?
Then why, boatman…
Whom did you leave behind at home?


Turn the boat back to the wharf, boatman,
The day is slipping away,…
When will you return to the market again?


When evening falls, boatman, will you find your usual fare?
With bangles and ribbons bought, you'll return to that home—
But the goddess of that house, I cannot see her there…?


Casting your gaze afar,
Searching for her, boatman,
If she is not here,
Then why do you still search for someone?
Boatman, whom did you leave behind at home?