though no ears appear
I guard the mountain rice fields—
in my humble dress;
there is not a single day
I am not soaked with the dew

Meaning

Though the ears have not yet appeared, I guard the mountain fields—there is not a day my humble robe is not soaked with dew upon the rice leaves.

Commentary

Book Five Autumn Poems (Part Two)

It depicts the figure of a farmer tending the rice fields and guarding them from animals.

The phrase “to put forth ears” also carries the sense of coming into view or gaining notice. Read in that way, the poem may also express the sorrow of striving without being recognized.

“Fuji-goromo” refers to a coarse garment made from the fibers of wisteria or kudzu.

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

I will pause awhile to gaze, and then make my way across the flowing stream— though leaves fall like the rain, the waters will not rise
in the mountain fields on an autumn watchman’s hut the dewdrops that fall— are they not the falling tears of the rice-bearing bird
in fields already reaped the shoots that rise anew yet put forth no ears— is it that even the world has wearied now beyond all
scarlet leaves I will gather into my sleeves and carry them with me— for those who have already thought that autumn is done

though no ears appear I guard the mountain rice fields— in my humble dress; there is not a single day I am not soaked with the dew

though no ears appear
I guard the mountain rice fields—
in my humble dress;
there is not a single day
I am not soaked with the dew