seen by others
is it so hard to bear—
the maidenflower
that in the autumn mist alone
seems ever to hide itself
- Meaning
- Is it so painful to be seen by others? The maidenflower seems to hide itself only within the autumn mist.
- Commentary
-
Book Four Autumn Songs I
A poem composed for the maidenflower contest held at the Suzaku-in.
The maidenflower concealed in the mist is likened to a woman who, disliking being seen by others, withdraws and hides herself. The poem draws on this delicate association between the flower and feminine modesty.
- Author
- Mibu no Tadamine
- Source
- Kokin Wakashu
- Other
-
- The stag cries aloud, seeking ever for his mate— maidenflower, you, do you not know that you grow in the field where he abides?
- Autumn wind that blows past the maidenflowers comes on— though unseen to eyes, its fragrance alone reveals clearly that it has passed by.
- Rather than alone gazing on you in longing, maidenflower fair, I would that I might plant you within the dwelling where I live.
- maidenflower fair— how it troubles my heart so, to see it thus stand alone within a dwelling fallen into desolation.