Lady Kataiko, “I am the rustling stalks” (Hyakunin Isshu #58)
by Frank Watson
My Translation

By Daini no Sanmi, Lady Kataiko (~ 999-1082)


As Mount Arima

Sends the winds

Over Ina’s bamboo fields—

I am the rustling stalks,

So how could I forget you?



Original Japanese
Pronunciation


大弐三位
Daini no Sanmi


ありま山
Arimayama
猪名の笹原
Ina no sasawara
風吹けば
Kaze fukeba
いでそよ人を
Ide soyo hito wo
忘れやはする
Wasure ya wa suru


Literal Notes


Arima Mountain

Ina ’s bamboo-grass fields

Wind blows when/as

Well/indeed [being like/this/rustling of leaves] person/man

Forget [ironic/rhetorical question] do


Daini no Sanmi is the daughter of Lady Murasaki Shikibu. It is said that this was sent in reply to a lover's letter complaining that he hadn't heard from her.


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