beyond the time of autumn
there is yet another prime—
chrysanthemum blooms;
as their colors fade away,
all the more their beauty grows
- Meaning
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Beyond autumn itself, the chrysanthemum has another season of its prime—for as its color changes, its beauty only deepens.
- Commentary
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Book Five Autumn Poems (Part Two)
A poem composed and presented when the retired Emperor Uda, residing at Ninna-ji, requested that a waka be offered together with chrysanthemums.
Although autumn is the season of chrysanthemums, even after autumn passes, as their colors change, they take on a different kind of beauty. This is likened to the emperor, who, even after abdication and entering the religious life, continues to flourish, and thus the poem carries a tone of celebration.
Ninna-ji was founded by Emperor Uda in what is now Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, where he resided after his abdication.
- Author
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Taira no Sadabumi
- Source
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Kokin Wakashu
- Other
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if I must pluck them,
then at random I shall pluck—
first frost has fallen,
confusing all before my eyes,
white chrysanthemums alike
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changing now its hue,
this chrysanthemum of autumn—
within one short year,
twice it blooms and gives its scent,
so I see it as such
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from the place it bloomed
now moved to another dwelling—
chrysanthemum flowers,
even in their very hue
have come to change as well
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on Mount Saho’s slopes
the oak leaves, now turning gold,
seem about to fall—
so even through the night, see them,
the moonlight shines and reveals