"I waited but should've slept" (Hyakunin Isshu #59)
by Frank Watson
My Translation


By Lady Akazome Emon (956-1041)


I waited

But should’ve slept—

Alas, the night grew late,

And I saw

The setting moon



Original Japanese
Pronunciation


赤染衛門
Akazome Emon


やすらはで
Yasurawade
寝なまし物を
Nenamashi mono wo
小夜更けて
Sayo fukete
かたぶくまでの
Katabuku made no
月を見しかな
Tsuki wo mishi kana


Literal Notes


[Waiting (and being disappointed)/hesitation]

Sleep better thing

Evening [getting late]

Decline until

Moon see how!/alas!


The author wrote this on behalf of her sister when her sister’s husband didn’t visit as expected.


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