Though we part and go,
if on Inaba's mountain
peaks the pine trees grow,
and I should hear that you still wait,
I shall return even now
- Meaning
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Though we part here and I depart, if I hear that you are waiting for my return like the pine trees growing on the peaks of Mount Inaba, I will come back at once.
- Commentary
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Book Eight: Poems of Parting
A famous poem also included in the Hyakunin Isshu. It is said to have been composed by Ariwara no Yukihira as a farewell poem when he departed to take up his post in Inaba.
The poem plays on the words "Inaba" and "inaba" (if I should go away), and on "matsu" (pine tree) and "matsu" (to wait). The meaning is that although I must leave this place, if I hear that you are waiting for my return, I will come back immediately. Beneath these words lies the feeling that, if possible, the speaker would rather remain here and not part at all.
Ariwara no Yukihira was appointed Governor of Inaba and departed for his post in 855.
- Author
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Ariwara no Yukihira
- Source
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Kokin Wakashu
- Other
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