Worn out by longing love,
Like the "self-from" creature said
To dwell in cut seaweed,
I have shattered even this
Body of mine, by my own will.
- Meaning
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Worn down by love, like the so-called "self-from" creature that dwells in the seaweed cut by fishermen, I have shattered even my own body because of feelings that arise from myself.
- Commentary
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57. Worn Out by Longing Love
A certain man suffered from a love he kept hidden in his heart. He sent this poem to the one who remained cold and would not respond to him at all.
While saying that his painful one-sided love is caused by his own uncontrollable feelings, he cannot help but wish that she would understand. Such feelings are expressed here. That he sent the poem, unable to restrain himself, may reveal the heart of a man who still cannot give her up and longs for her to turn toward him.
"Self-from" (warekara) refers to a small crustacean that lives in seaweed. As it dries, its shell splits apart, and from this it takes its name. The word also carries the meaning "from oneself," forming a pun.
- Source
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Ise Monogatari
- Other
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