女郎花うしろめたくも見ゆる哉
荒れたる宿にひとりたてれば
荒れたる宿にひとりたてれば
- Roma-ji
-
Ominaeshi ushirometaku mo miyuru kana
aretaru yado ni hitori tatereba - English Translation
-
maidenflower fair—
how it troubles my heart so,
to see it thus stand
alone within a dwelling
fallen into desolation.
- Meaning
- The maidenflower appears somehow troubling to my heart, standing alone in a dwelling that has fallen into ruin.
- Commentary
-
Book Four Autumn Poems (Part One)
Composed when visiting a certain place, upon seeing a maidenflower planted at a house along the way.
"Ushirometaku" can mean a sense of guilt, but here it conveys unease or concern. The sight of a maidenflower, once planted by human hands, standing alone in a neglected dwelling leaves a lingering impression on the poet.
It may also be read as likening the flower to a woman living alone in a desolate house.
The poet is Prince Kanemi, son of Prince Koretaka.
- Author
- Kanramu Ou
- Source
- Kokin Wakashu
- Other
-
- seen by others is it so hard to bear— the maidenflower that in the autumn mist alone seems ever to hide itself
- Rather than alone gazing on you in longing, maidenflower fair, I would that I might plant you within the dwelling where I live.
- not yet sated with flowers— why should one think to return? maidenflower fair, in this field where you abound I would that I might lie the night.
- who might it have been that came and cast off to hang this wisteria-robe? with each returning autumn it scents the fields once more.