Some favourite passages from this book of lyric poems on "scroll paintings and woodblock prints from Japan's Edo period, which spanned 1603-1868": 


She from the spent cushion
grasps his clothing, not
to keep him but to indicate pleasure-
given loyalty.

from "Lover Taking Leave of a Courtesan"

                                           Bitter-sweet longing becomes inflectedwith song.
from "Hibiscus and Korean Nightingale"

                                             How coolthe light in this region of no awe. Welcomemiddle register: sane, calm.
end of "Sparrows and Camelia"

A boatman reclines on the roof
and smokes. In mist, he is invisible,
swept along, an absent-
minded god.

from "Riverboat Party"


Adrenaline mixes with caution, readyto ride toward what is destined. What molten goldfeels before it's poured into the ring mold.
end of "Young Samurai on Horseback"


Water holds blueness not much longer. Deathwill costume it in its color, and the honking of geesewill give voice to its grieving.
end of "Descending Geese at Katana"



As imitation bends toward knowledge, so pleasurebecomes a version of love. 
from "Courtesan with Her Attendant"

A cricket on the pampas grassoutside wants in. Plotting its escapefrom what looks like freedom.
end of "Crickets, Cafe, and Flowers"

                  Sensuousadmissions, the wildernessof another breached, known.
from "Lovers in the Snow"


                                                      Delightedagainst a camouflage of like-minded flowers, the yellowsand green work to keep him hidden,safe in imagination, before the world gallops in, offeringpromises of glory, real swords and real horses.
end of "Boy Dancing with a Hobby-Horse"



It seems the easiest place to obtain Swallows and Waves in the UK is Abe Books here.