Tamatsushima yoku mite imase aoniyoshi nara naru hito no machi towaba ika ni

玉津島よく見ていませあをによし
奈良なる人の待ち問はばいかに

Roma-ji: Tamatsushima yoku mite imase aoniyoshi nara naru hito no machi towaba ika ni
English Translation: Tamatsu Island—
look well upon it, my friend,
for in blue-earth Nara
if the one who waits should ask,
whatever will you say?
Meaning: Look well at Tamatsu Island—for if someone waiting in Nara asks you about it, what will you tell them?
Commentary: Book Seven Miscellaneous Poems 1215

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "Composed on Journeys"
The poet urges a companion to look well at the scenery of Tamatsu Island in Kii, asking how he will answer if someone waiting in Nara asks about it. He encourages him to take in the beauty of the famous place as a story to bring home to those waiting.
Tamatsu Island is an island in Waka Bay, known as a scenic spot since the Man'yō age. Tamatsu Island also appears in poems 1217 and 1222 in this book. It is regarded as coming from the Old Collection. The poet is unknown.

The first line names Tamatsu Island in Waka Bay, Kii.
In the second line, "imasu" is honorific: "look well at it." The poem pauses here.
The third line uses "aoniyoshi," a pillow word for "Nara."
The fourth line, "if the one who waits," refers to family or a wife waiting at home in Nara.
The final line, "whatever will you say?" has an extra syllable.
Source: Manyoshu
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