Miyoshino no Takaki no yama ni shirakumo wa yukihabakarite tanabikeri miyu

み吉野の高城の山に白雲は
行きはばかりてたなびけり見ゆ

Roma-ji: Miyoshino no Takaki no yama ni shirakumo wa yukihabakarite tanabikeri miyu
English Translation: In fair Yoshino,
on the mountain of Takaki,
the clouds, white and pale,
hesitating as they go,
hang trailing there, I see.
Meaning: On Mount Takaki in fair Yoshino, I see the white clouds hanging there, as if hesitant to move on.
Commentary: Book Three Miscellaneous Poems 353

Headnote: "A poem by the monk Tsūkan"
The poem shows white clouds trailing on Mount Takaki in Yoshino as though unable to go further. Depicting clouds that seem to hesitate on the mountain conveys its height and sanctity. Poem 321 on Mount Fuji likewise says the clouds "hesitate to pass," praising a mountain with the same image of clouds held back in awe. Mount Takaki is a peak in Yoshino, though its exact location is debated.
The poet, Tsūkan, was a monk of the Nara period, but little is known of him.

First line "In fair Yoshino": mi is an honorific prefix.
Second line "on the mountain of Takaki" names a peak in Yoshino.
Third line "the clouds, white and pale" introduces the white clouds.
Fourth line "hesitating as they go": habakaru means to hold back. As in the fourth line of poem 321, it portrays clouds held back by the mountain.
Fifth line "hang trailing there, I see": ri is continuative. With one syllable too many, it ends on the scene as seen.
Author: Tsūkan
Source: Manyoshu
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