Translation


Official Ietaka, Fujiwara no Ietaka (1158-1237)


Rustling wind

In the oaks by Nara’s brooks—

This evening

I see a sign

Of summer cleansing



Original Japanese

Pronunciation



従二位家隆

Junii Ietaka



風そよぐ

Kaze soyogu

ならの小川の

Nara no ogawa no

夕ぐれは

Yugure wa

みそぎぞ夏の

Misogi zo natsu no

しるしなりける

Shirushi nari keru

         


Literal Notes


Wind/breeze rustle/stir/fluttering

Nara/oak-tree ’s streamlet/brook ’s

Evening

[Purifying-ceremony-with-bath-of-cold-water] summer ’s

[Sign-of/omen/mark/remember/know/understand] is/becomes


Wind rustling of trees is symbolic of autumn weather, fitting in with the theme of approaching autumn in the summer.


Year: 
2012