Classic Poem

Ainkurunuru 121ÔÇô124, 127ÔÇô128

(1)

O yes, we've seen
your girl friend,
haven't we?

Splashing in the sea waves,
wetting even that wreath of water-thorn
in her hair?

(2)

O yes, we've seen
your girl friend,
haven't we?

Her gold ornaments fall
in the sand,
and all she does is ask

the small white snipe!

(3)

O yes, we've seen
your girl friend,
haven't we?

Making a din with her gaggle
of flashing girls,
she splashes
in the big cold wave,
doesn't she?

(4)

O yes, we've seen
your girl friend,
haven't we?

When the sea plays
with her sand-dolls,
she throws sand

and shrieks

at the sea,
doesn't she?

(5)

O yes, we've seen
your girl friend,
haven't we?

Delicate ornaments and garlands
of white dead nettle
on her young breasts,

she jerks them away
in a sulk,

doesn't she?

(6)

O yes, we've seen
your girl friend,
haven't we?

She gives her bud of a breast
with no milk yet

to a doll with a mouth
that cannot drink,

playing at giving suck,
doesn't she?