Now it must be so—
as we part from one another,
at Heaven’s River,
before I even cross it,
my sleeves are already wet.

Meaning

Now that we must part, as I leave at the Heavenly River, even before I cross it, my sleeves are already wet with tears.

Commentary

Book Four Autumn Poems (Part One)

This poem was composed before dawn on the night of the seventh day of the seventh month.

It is written from the perspective of Hikoboshi. Knowing that he cannot meet her again until a year has passed, he laments their parting in tears.
Though one might expect his sleeves to be wet after crossing the Heavenly River, the poem expresses his sorrow by showing that they are already soaked with his own tears even before he departs.

Author

Minamoto no Muneyuki

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

Like threads once lent to the Weaver Maiden’s loom— drawn out and joined thus, shall this love endure so long, stretching through the passing years?
The one who comes tonight— I will not meet with him; like Tanabata, I might be left to wait so long through such enduring time.
From this day on, the yesterday of the year to come— must it be that I long only for that time, and wait for it unceasing?
Through these trees, the moonlight filters softly down— seeing its glow, the autumn that stirs the heart has come upon us at last.

Now it must be so— as we part from one another, at Heaven’s River, before I even cross it, my sleeves are already wet.

Now it must be so—
as we part from one another,
at Heaven’s River,
before I even cross it,
my sleeves are already wet.