For a good many
years I have put on new robes
of color this day,
and putting one on, I feel
as though tears were falling down

Meaning

For years now I have changed into bright robes on this day, and putting one on I feel as though tears were coming down.

Commentary

Part One: Aoi

　The new year came, and on the first day Genji went to the Retired Emperor, then to the palace and the Heir Apparent, and last of all to the Minister of the Left's. The Minister passed over the greetings of the season and spoke only of the past, until his eyes filled. From Omiya came robes prepared with great care, with a message asking him to lay aside mourning for this one day. Changed into them, Genji sent her this poem with his reply. She answered, and the chapter closes there.

　"For a good many years" refers to the New Year robes he had changed into at this house each year. "Iro-goromo" are bright robes as opposed to mourning grey. "Furu" plays tears falling against years passing, and it is the word that carries over into Omiya's reply. The festive act of changing into new clothes becomes itself the occasion of grief, and a New Year scene turns into a scene of mourning.

Author

Murasaki Shikibu

Source

Genji Monogatari

Other

For a good many years I have put on new robes of color this day, and putting one on, I feel as though tears were falling down

For a good many
years I have put on new robes
of color this day,
and putting one on, I feel
as though tears were falling down