In autumn fields,
I have lost my way among paths—
toward the cricket’s cry,
perhaps I should make my way
and seek a place to lodge the night.

Meaning

In the autumn fields I have lost my way; perhaps I should go toward the sound of the cricket and seek a place to stay.

Commentary

Book Four Autumn Poems (Part One)

The poem describes someone who, having wandered in the autumn fields, has lost their way and considers heading toward the sound of crickets to find lodging.

“Matsumushi” refers to what is now called the bell cricket, and carries a wordplay with “to wait.”
One might also read into it the image of a man, lost in life, turning back toward a former lover—but that may be reading too much into it.

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

On autumn nights, the dew above all seems cold— for in every clump of grass the insects lament, their voices filled with distress.
In the ruined home overgrown with grasses of longing— thinking of you, the pine-cricket’s lonely cry sounds all the more sorrowful.
In autumn fields, the waiting cricket’s voice is heard— is it for me, then? I will go and see at once, and pay a visit there tonight.
Crimson leaves have fallen and lie piled at my dwelling— in this lonely place, for whom does the cricket cry, so many times, in waiting?

In autumn fields, I have lost my way among paths— toward the cricket’s cry, perhaps I should make my way and seek a place to lodge the night.

In autumn fields,
I have lost my way among paths—
toward the cricket’s cry,
perhaps I should make my way
and seek a place to lodge the night.