As autumn comes on
through all the world around me—
then it is that I
come to know within myself
how sorrowful I truly am.

Meaning

As autumn comes upon everything around me, I come to realize that it is I myself who am truly sorrowful.

Commentary

Book Four Autumn Poems (Part One)

The poem expresses that, although one might think the coming of autumn brings sadness, it is in fact one’s own heart that is the source of that sorrow.
What circumstances led to this realization are not known, but the poet must have been in a state of mind that gave rise to such a reflection.

“Ōkata no” means “generally” or “throughout,” while “kuru kara ni” conveys “as soon as it comes” or “with its coming.”

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

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.
Not for me alone does the coming autumn arrive— yet when I hear the voices of the insects, at once my heart grows sad.
In all things alike autumn is full of sorrow— as leaves turn to red, and pass away in their change, we feel it marks their end.

As autumn comes on through all the world around me— then it is that I come to know within myself how sorrowful I truly am.

As autumn comes on
through all the world around me—
then it is that I
come to know within myself
how sorrowful I truly am.