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
- Prev Poem
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Hitori nomi nagamuru yori wa ominaeshi
waga sumu yado ni uete mimashi o - Next Poem
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Hana ni akade nani kaeruramu ominaeshi
ōkaru nobe ni nenamashi mono o