Through the Snow to Morning Duties
This poem was written in 876 when Michizane was the deputy assistant minister of popular affairs. The court offices held morning and evening rites, and Michizane is reporting for the former.
Wind-sent tolling of palace bell: I hear the sound of dawn,
encouraging me on my way through powdery snow.
Matching my status, I wear a fur coat three feet long;
just right to warm my mouth, two drafts of wine.
I wonder if it could be floss my groom is clutching,
and am startled to see my tired horse trod drifting clouds.
In my office, not a moment's rest:
puffing on my hand a thousand times, I keep drafting documents.
Wind-sent tolling of palace bell: I hear the sound of dawn,
encouraging me on my way through powdery snow.
Matching my status, I wear a fur coat three feet long;
just right to warm my mouth, two drafts of wine.
I wonder if it could be floss my groom is clutching,
and am startled to see my tired horse trod drifting clouds.
In my office, not a moment's rest:
puffing on my hand a thousand times, I keep drafting documents.
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