Each evening again
In the fields where many frogs
Are crying aloud,
The water only grows more—
Though no rain at all may fall.

Meaning

Each evening, in the rice fields where many frogs cry out, the water increases even though no rain falls—perhaps from the frogs’ tears.

Commentary

108. When the Wind Blows

This poem was composed by the man as a reply after hearing the woman’s poem lamenting his heartlessness: “When the wind blows on, is it like a rock always crossed by rising waves? My sleeves have no time to dry.”

Even if rain does not fall, the water increases in the rice fields where male frogs cry out in search of female frogs. The meaning may be that if a woman troubles the hearts of many men, one may feel moved to cry out as well.
Both the man and the woman compose poems about their own tears, yet their feelings do not quite meet, like a lovers’ quarrel.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

In many ways I think, Yet cannot ask if you think Of me, or think not; So the rain that knows my fate Falls ever more heavily.
When the wind blows on, Is it like a rock always Crossed by rising waves? My sleeves of my robe Have no time at all to dry.
More than the blossoms, People have proved more fickle— So it has become. Which would I see first to fade, And then long for in my heart?
My longing so deep, Perhaps my soul has gone forth Out from my own body. If late at night you should see it, Bind my soul and hold it fast.

Each evening again In the fields where many frogs Are crying aloud, The water only grows more— Though no rain at all may fall.

Each evening again
In the fields where many frogs
Are crying aloud,
The water only grows more—
Though no rain at all may fall.