If I were to pluck them, would it not be too painful, these cherry blossoms?
Come, let me lodge here and watch them until they fall.

Meaning

It would be painful to pluck the cherry blossoms. Let me take lodging here and watch them until they fall.

Commentary

Spring Songs, Book One

In “Once they have fallen, though one yearns, there is no avail; so today, if I am to pluck the cherry blossoms, let me pluck them,” the poet speaks of plucking them; in this poem, by contrast, the sentiment is to refrain from plucking.
Even with the same theme of cherry blossoms, the two poems are set side by side with opposite conceits.

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

Had you not come today, tomorrow it would have fallen as snow; Even if it did not vanish, could it be seen as a flower?
Once they have fallen, though one yearns, there is no avail; So today, if I am to pluck the cherry blossoms, let me pluck them.
In cherry color I will deeply dye my robes and wear them; for when the blossoms fall, as a keepsake for what comes after.
Those who come to my dwelling to view the blossoms in passing— when the blossoms fall, will they then be missed?

If I were to pluck them, would it not be too painful, these cherry blossoms? Come, let me lodge here and watch them until they fall.

If I were to pluck them, would it not be too painful, these cherry blossoms?
Come, let me lodge here and watch them until they fall.