in a mountain village
winter deepens the loneliness—
for when I think on it
no people come, and even
the grasses wither away

Meaning

In a mountain village, winter deepens the loneliness—for when I think on it, no one comes, and even the grasses wither away.

Commentary

Book Six Winter Poems

This poem was composed as a winter poem.

It is also included in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu.

The scene depicts a mountain dwelling in winter, where fallen leaves and withered grasses spread across the landscape, intensifying the sense of desolation.

“Kare nu” carries a double meaning, referring both to people departing and to plants withering.

Author

Minamoto no Muneyuki

Source

Kokin Wakashu

Other

had I known the way I would have gone to seek it— scattering maple leaves as offerings along the path autumn has already gone
the Tatsuta River weaves and spreads brocade— in the godless month with showers of passing rain as warp and weft entwined
in the vast open sky the moonlight falls so pure— that the water below which held its shining image was the first of all to freeze
as evening falls on my sleeves grow cold with the chill— in fair Yoshino upon the mountain slopes snow must be falling now

in a mountain village winter deepens the loneliness— for when I think on it no people come, and even the grasses wither away

in a mountain village
winter deepens the loneliness—
for when I think on it
no people come, and even
the grasses wither away