Why does the cock crow?
Though none knows of our secret,
And I love unseen,
Still it is the depth of night—
How can dawn have come so soon?

Meaning

Why should the cock be crowing? Though my love is hidden from all and I thought it still the depth of night, dawn seems already near.

Commentary

53. Why Does the Cock Crow?

A certain man at last succeeded in meeting a woman whom he could seldom see. As they spoke together of various matters concerning the world, a cock crowed, as if to announce that dawn was near.
The poem was composed by the man upon hearing the cock’s cry.

While speaking with the woman whom he had so rarely been able to meet, he realized that it was already close to daybreak. Though he did not feel that so much time had passed, the poem expresses his impatience and regret at having to part from her.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

Having planted it, If there were no autumn time, Would it fail to bloom? Though the flowers may fall away, Will even the roots wither?
Cutting iris leaves, You must have lost your way there In the marshy fields; While I went out to the plain To hunt—how wretched it was.
Trusting to a dream That never reaches its end, Along that dream path— Upon my waiting sleeve Does heaven’s dew fall and rest?
You may well remain Without thinking of me now— So it might indeed; Yet at every passing word, I find myself trusting still.

Why does the cock crow? Though none knows of our secret, And I love unseen, Still it is the depth of night— How can dawn have come so soon?

Why does the cock crow?
Though none knows of our secret,
And I love unseen,
Still it is the depth of night—
How can dawn have come so soon?