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

Meaning

In the harvested fields, the new shoots that grow do not put forth ears—is it that even the world has now grown utterly weary?

Commentary

Book Five Autumn Poems (Part Two)

“Hitsuji” refers to the new shoots that grow from the stubble after rice has been harvested, also called “hikobae.”

“Akihaten(u)” carries a double meaning: “autumn has ended” and “to have grown weary.” The poet overlays his own feelings upon the scene of the harvested fields. Since “to put forth ears” can also mean to come into notice, the poem may suggest a sense of resignation at remaining unrecognized by others.

Author

Unknown Poet

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

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
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
scarlet leaves I will gather into my sleeves and carry them with me— for those who have already thought that autumn is done
from the deep mountains the water that comes falling down— seeing its color I have come to know at last that autumn has reached its end

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

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