Ōumi no nami wa kashikoshi shikaredomo kami o iwaite funade seba ika ni

大海の波は畏ししかれども
神を斎ひて舟出せばいかに

Roma-ji: Ōumi no nami wa kashikoshi shikaredomo kami o iwaite funade seba ika ni
English Translation: On the great ocean
the waves are dreadful to face,
and yet, if we pray,
honoring the gods with care,
and set sail—what then?
Meaning: The waves of the great ocean are fearsome—and yet, what if we worship the gods with all reverence and set sail?
Commentary: Book Seven Miscellaneous Poems 1232

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "Composed on Journeys"
The waves of the great ocean are fearsome, but the poet suggests that setting sail after reverently worshipping the sea gods should be safe. The dangers of the voyage and the resolve to set out trusting in divine protection are both expressed.
Like poem 1230, which gives thanks to the god of Shika, it rests on faith in the gods of the sea. It is regarded as coming from the Old Collection. The poet is unknown.

The first line, "On the great ocean," names the open sea.
The second line, "the waves are dreadful to face," pauses the poem.
The third line, "and yet," means "that being so."
The fourth line, "honoring the gods with care," means worshipping the gods with purity and reverence.
The final line, "and set sail—what then?" has an extra syllable.
Source: Manyoshu
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