Basho: "The potato-washing women"
by Frank Watson
This can be read either as “the women would write a poem if they saw Saigyo” or “Saigyo would write a poem if he saw the women.” For an example of Saigyo’s poetry, see this tanka.

My Translation

The potato-washing women—
If Saigyo were there
A poem might be written

Original Japanese

芋洗う女西行ならば歌読まん

Pronunciation

Imo arau onna
Saigyou nara-ba
Uta yoma-n

Literal Translation

Taro/potato wash woman/women
Saigyou were if
Poem/song read/compose [might]
All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2011