Through autumn bush clover,
pushing down the tangled stems,
the stag gives its cry—
though unseen to the watching eye,
its voice rings clear and sharp.

Meaning

The stag cries, pushing down the tangled bush clover; though it cannot be seen, its voice sounds clear and distinct.

Commentary

Book Four Autumn Poems (Part One)

The poem first evokes a visual image of bush clover being pressed down as it tangles about the stag, only to deny sight with “though unseen,” and instead emphasize the clarity of the sound heard.

“Shigarami” refers to intertwined branches used to slow a stream, here suggesting clover tangling about the stag’s legs, which it presses down as it moves.

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

In the deep mountains, treading through the fallen leaves, the stag cries aloud— when I hear that lonely voice, then autumn is most sorrowful.
Before autumn bush clover, as I sit in quiet sorrow— from the mountain’s foot, resounding through the valleys, the stag’s cry seems to echo.
When autumn bush clover has come now into bloom, on Takasago’s peak the stag upon the mountain must now be crying as well.
On old branches of autumn bush clover now bloom flowers I behold— and the heart I once had then has not been forgotten yet.

Through autumn bush clover, pushing down the tangled stems, the stag gives its cry— though unseen to the watching eye, its voice rings clear and sharp.

Through autumn bush clover,
pushing down the tangled stems,
the stag gives its cry—
though unseen to the watching eye,
its voice rings clear and sharp.