Oh, for a hat
woven of plum blossoms by the bush warbler—
I would place it on
the one drenched with rain
and send them home in warmth.

Meaning

How I wish for a hat woven from plum blossoms by the bush warbler. I would place it on the one soaked by the rain and send them home warm.

Commentary

121 The Bush Warbler’s Plum Blossoms

A certain man composed this poem upon seeing someone exiting from the Kyōge-sha of the inner palace, drenched by rain.

Kyōge-sha was one of the five quarters of the imperial harem. Plum trees were planted in its courtyard, called the plum courtyard (umetsubo).

The person exiting in the rain was likely a young woman. The poem expresses the man’s gentle affection and desire to care for her.

Source

Ise Monogatari

Other

This keepsake alone now has become hateful— were it not for this, there might come a time when I could at last forget you.
In Ōmi, at once let the Tsukuma festival be quickly held— I would see how many pots that cold-hearted one will wear.
That blossom hat sewn by the bush warbler—no, I have no need of it; place your thought upon me, and I will dry and return.
At Yamashiro, the jewel water of Ide I cupped in my hands— yet the trust I placed in you has come to nothing at all.

Oh, for a hat woven of plum blossoms by the bush warbler— I would place it on the one drenched with rain and send them home in warmth.

Oh, for a hat
woven of plum blossoms by the bush warbler—
I would place it on
the one drenched with rain
and send them home in warmth.