The Garden of Bright Waters

The Persian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and other Asian poetry in "The Garden of Bright Waters: One Hundred and Twenty Asiatic Love Poems" was translated by E. Powys Mathers. Each poem explores a distinct aspect of romantic relationships while focusing on the concept of love. Each portion of the book opens with a short introduction to the cultural background of the poetry. The collection is split into sections depending on the countries of origin of the poems. The poems themselves range from humorous and cheerful to passionate and serious in style and tone. The poems in this book examine subjects including the wonder of nature, the suffering of separation, and the need for closeness. In addition to employing metaphors from the natural world and symbolic language, the poets use vivid and compelling imagery to portray their emotions. Ultimately, "The Garden of Bright Waters" celebrates the universal experience of love and the human need for connection and intimacy while also providing a look into the rich and varied traditions of Asian poetry.