A story from Takasago is of a couple in love that died on the same day and their spirits entered a pine tree, now lodged at the shrine of Takasago. Pine also symbolizes waiting as it has the same pronunciation. In this poem, old friends and even this symbol of long-lasting love (the pine) have disappeared. Thus, this poem can be read as missing a loved one, such as a wife, or as one of becoming old and seeing your friends die.
Related stories from Takasago: (1) An old couple appearing from the mists of a lake and sitting together talking happily in front of a pine. (2) Two pine trees by the sea, each representing an old man and an old woman in love.
My Translation
I wonder who
My companion will be—
When old friends
And even Takasago’s
Ancient pine disappear
Original Japanese | Pronunciation |
藤原興風 | Fujiwara no Okikaze |
誰をかも | Tare o ka mo |
知る人にせむ | Shiru hito ni sen |
高砂の | Takasago no |
松もむかしの | Matsu mo mukashi no |
友ならなくに | Tomo nara naku ni |
Literal Translation
Who(m) [! / I wonder]
Known person(s) [do I know / do I have / to be]
Takasago’s
Pine also [old times’s / nullification / annihilation]
Friend(s) disappear
Year:
2011
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