For your sake I go out into the spring fields
to gather young greens;
on my sleeves the snow continues to fall.

Meaning

For your sake, I went out into the spring fields to gather young greens, while snow kept falling upon my sleeves.

Commentary

Spring Songs, Book One

Composed when Emperor Kōkō was still a prince, this poem was sent along with young greens presented to someone.

Young greens were traditionally gathered in spring fields to ward off evil. The delicate and elegant scene of snow falling upon the sleeves while gathering them reflects the refined aesthetic life of Heian-period aristocracy.

At that time, when presenting gifts, it was customary to convey the effort or thoughtfulness involved rather than offering humble remarks as is common today.

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

In the deep mountains, even the snow on pine trees has not yet melted; in the Capital, on the fields, young greens are gathered.
Pushing the azusa bow, today spring rain has fallen; if it falls even tomorrow, I shall gather the young greens then as well.
Perhaps going to Kasuga Field to gather young greens, people go with the sleeves of their white garments fluttering.
The spring-worn robe of haze, its weft threads thin, by the mountain wind is like to be torn and rent.

For your sake I go out into the spring fields to gather young greens; on my sleeves the snow continues to fall.

For your sake I go out into the spring fields
to gather young greens;
on my sleeves the snow continues to fall.