五月こばなきもふりなむ郭公
まだしきほどのこゑをきかばや
まだしきほどのこゑをきかばや
- Roma-ji
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Satsuki koba naki mo furinamu hototogisu
madashiki hodo no koe o kikaba ya - English Translation
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When the Fifth Month comes,
your song will lose its rarity,
O cuckoo;
before that time arrives,
let me hear your fresh young voice.
- Meaning
- When the Fifth Month comes, your song will no longer be rare, O cuckoo—so before that time, I long to hear your fresh, early voice.
- Commentary
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Book III, Summer Poems
Though the cuckoo’s song will in time become familiar, the poet longs to hear it while it is still new and rare. As in many things, there is a special delight in what first appears.
- Author
- Ise
- Source
- Kokin Wakashu
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