難波津をけさこそみつの浦ごとに
これやこの世うみ渡る舟
これやこの世うみ渡る舟
- Roma-ji
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Naniwazu o kesa koso mitsu no ura goto ni
kore ya kono yo umi wataru fune - English Translation
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At Naniwa Harbor,
This morning I truly see—
At every inlet
Are these the boats that cross on
Through this weary world of ours?
- Meaning
- Looking at Naniwa Harbor this morning, I see boats moored at every inlet. Are these the boats that cross the sea as people pass through this weary world?
- Commentary
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66. At Naniwa Harbor
A certain man possessed an estate in the province of Settsu (an area corresponding to parts of present-day Osaka and Hyōgo). He went toward Naniwa together with his brothers and friends.
The poem was composed when the man saw many boats gathered along the shore.
"Tsu" means a harbor or landing place for boats.
"Mitsu" refers to Naniwa Harbor, which can also be written "Mitsu" (honorable harbor). The word is a pun on "mitsu" meaning "to see."
"Umi" is a pivot word that means both "sea" and "weariness" or "sorrow." "To cross" belongs to the associated imagery of the sea and boats, and it suggests both the act of rowing a boat across the sea and the passing of one's days while feeling the weariness of life in this world.
- Source
- Ise Monogatari
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