Within this brief life
That cannot last very long,
To be forgotten—
How exceedingly short
Such a heart must surely be.

Meaning

Within a life that cannot last very long, to be forgotten—how very short a heart that must be.

Commentary

113. Not a Long Life

A certain man composed this poem while living alone after the woman had gone away.

If the “short heart” is taken as the heart of the woman who left him, the poem can be understood as a reproachful lament: in a life that is not long to begin with, could she not continue thinking of him?
If the “short heart” is taken as the heart of the man who lost the woman in death, however, it may also be read as self-mockery, reflecting that his feelings for the woman who has died are gradually fading day by day, and calling such a heart “short.”

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

That I long for you Never again will I say. When the under-cord Comes undone, let people know That alone will tell my love.
From Suma’s shore The smoke where the fisherfolk Burn salt for their trade— The wind blows harshly upon it, Drifting where it never meant.
Reproach me not That I seem like an old man. In my hunting robe, Only for this day, they say— Even the cranes cry so.
More than burning coals That cling and burn upon me, What is more sorrow— Is the parting that must be By the shore of Miyakojima.

Within this brief life That cannot last very long, To be forgotten— How exceedingly short Such a heart must surely be.

Within this brief life
That cannot last very long,
To be forgotten—
How exceedingly short
Such a heart must surely be.