Fujiwara no Sanesada's "Cuckoo" (Hyakunin Isshu #81)
by Frank Watson
Translation

By Minister of the Left Tokudaiji, Fujiwara no Sanesada (1139-1191)

Cuckoo—
I look in the
Singing sound’s direction
But only the morning
Moon remains


Original Japanese
Pronunciation


後徳大寺左大臣
Go Tokudaiji no Sadaijin


ほととぎす
Hototogisu
鳴きつる方を
Nakitsuru kata wo
眺むれば
Nagamureba
ただ有明の
Tada ariake no
月ぞのこれる
Tsuki zo nokoreru


Literal Notes
         
Cuckoo
Cry/sing has direction
Stare/watch/see when
Just/only early-dawn/daybreak ’s
Moon remain

The Japanese cuckoo, not related to the European cuckoo, only cries once or twice a day, around sunrise or sunset. As he’s not seeing the bird, a poetic legend is that the bird is coming from the spirit world to warn the farmers that it is time to sow rice. Another legend is that the bird’s singing is inviting a tryst with him that will lead to the underworld.

All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2012