Not a mountain range
Where one treads on rocky roots
Climbing peak on peak—
Yet so many days pass by
Without meeting, and I long.

Meaning

It is not a mountain range where one must climb over great rocks and through overlapping peaks, and yet there are so many days when we do not meet, and I continue to long for you.

Commentary

74. Treading on Rocky Roots

A certain man composed this poem in deep resentment toward a woman.

Though she lives nearby and it should not be difficult for them to meet, she does not come to see him. The poem expresses the man’s painful longing. The identity of the woman is not known, but the depth of the man’s sorrowful feelings is clearly conveyed.

This poem is a variant of similar poems found in Book Eleven of the and also in the , with slight alterations.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

The pines of Ōyodo Are not cruel at heart— Yet like the returning waves, That come only to the shore And turn back in resentment.
Seen with my own eyes, Yet never held in my hands— Like the moon’s laurel That stands within the bright moon, So indeed are you to me.
At Ōyodo’s shore Where the miru seaweed grows— Only seeing it, My heart grows calm and gentle, Though no words are spoken.
Sleeves wet with the sea, As the fisher cuts and dries Miru of the sea— Is it only seeing me That you will let it end so?

Not a mountain range Where one treads on rocky roots Climbing peak on peak— Yet so many days pass by Without meeting, and I long.

Not a mountain range
Where one treads on rocky roots
Climbing peak on peak—
Yet so many days pass by
Without meeting, and I long.