My Heart, Thinking Lady Otomo Lady Otomo (eighth century) Japan Lady Otomo came from a family that was influential in both Japanese politics and literature.  Her daughter, her nephew, and her brother Tabito were all noted poets; Tabito was also a governor and councilor of state.  Lady Otomo spent much of her life traveling with her brother from place to place to assist in his official duties.  Many of her poems describe her homesickness for family members; others are brief but intense romantic love poems. Lady Otomo My Heart, Thinking Translated from the Japanese By Arthur Waley My heart, thinking “How beautiful he is” Is like a swift river Which though one dams it         and dams it Will still break through. STUDY QUESTIONS The Lines, Literal 1.      What does the speaker say her heart is thinking? 2.      With what does the speaker compare her heart? Between the Lines; Interpreting 3.      Describe the speaker’s feelings for the man to whom she refers. 4.      What do lines 3 – 5 suggest about the speaker’s ability or desire to control her feelings? Beyond the Lines; Synthesize 5.      Describe a choice you have had to make between what you wanted to do (your heart) and what you knew you should do (your head).  Write a dialog between your head and your heart that shows how you made your ultimate decision. 6. Is Asia's economic disparity a result of a conflict between the head and the heart?