In lonely contemplation
Tears surpass the flowing river—
My sleeves are drenched,
Yet there is no way to meet you,
No means to see you at all.
- Meaning
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As I dwell in lonely reflection upon you, my tears flow like a river. My sleeves are soaked, and yet there is no way to meet you.
- Commentary
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107. River of Tears
There was a man of high rank. Fujiwara Toshiyuki, who held the office of Naiki (responsible for imperial decrees and records), favored the lady in his service and sought to associate with her.
However, the young woman was inexperienced, unsure even in writing letters, unable to speak with refined words, and did not compose poems. The man prepared draft poems for her to copy and send to Toshiyuki.
The poem is the admiration Toshiyuki expressed upon reading the letters she sent.
The man refers to Ariwara no Narihira, and the exchange of poems in this passage is also included in the Kokinshū.
The word “nagame” plays on both “long rain” and “gazing into the distance,” creating a layered pun.
- Source
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Ise Monogatari
- Other
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