In the spring when green willows
spin threads and weave them,
so abundant with thread—
yet the blossoms
burst open in wild disarray.

Meaning

Though it is the spring when green willows are said to spin threads and weave them, the blossoms all around burst open in wild disarray.

Commentary

Spring Songs, Book One

This poem was composed and offered when the Emperor commanded, “Present a poem.”

Since the blooming of flowers is described as “bursting open,” the poet associates this with garments coming apart, and imagines a spring when green willows spin threads and weave them—that is, a spring when thread is plentiful—yet asks why the flowers should burst open in such disorder.

Author

Ki no Tsurayuki

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

Even the green of ever-constant pines, when spring comes, now deepens by yet another degree.
Each time the spring rain falls on my beloved’s robe, the green of the fields alone deepens its color.
Pale green threads are spun and hung upon the boughs; threading white dew into shining beads— are these the willows of spring?
When many birds sing in the spring that chatters on, all things are made new— yet I alone grow old as each new spring comes round.

In the spring when green willows spin threads and weave them, so abundant with thread— yet the blossoms burst open in wild disarray.

In the spring when green willows
spin threads and weave them,
so abundant with thread—
yet the blossoms
burst open in wild disarray.