though rain may fall
and even dew should not pass through—
on Mount Kasatori,
how has it come to be, I wonder,
that the leaves are dyed with autumn?
- Meaning
- Though rain may fall and even dew should not pass through, how has Mount Kasatori come to be colored with autumn leaves?
- Commentary
-
Book Five Autumn Poems (Part Two)
Composed as an autumn poem.
It was believed that leaves turned color when moistened by dew or rain. Since the name “Kasatori” (taking a hat) suggests shelter from rain, the poet wonders how the mountain could have come to be colored with autumn leaves despite not being wetted.
“Mount Kasatori” is said to be located in present-day Uji, Kyoto.
- Author
- Ariwara no Motokata
- Source
- Kokin Wakashu
- Other
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- because autumn dew settles in many differing ways, upon the hills the leaves upon the trees are turned into a thousand varied hues.
- where white dew falls and even showers pass through— upon that mountain, not a single lower leaf remains but all are turned to autumn hues.
- within the sacred fence of the awe-inspiring gods, even the trailing kudzu cannot withstand the autumn— its leaves too have changed their hue.
- when rain falls upon Mount Kasatori, the leaves of autumn blaze bright— even the sleeves of those who pass are lit with their reflected glow.