Tamahoko no michi ni idetachi yuku ware wa kimi ga kototo o oite shi yukamu

玉桙の道に出で立ち行く我れは
君が事跡を負ひてし行かむ

Roma-ji: Tamahoko no michi ni idetachi yuku ware wa kimi ga kototo o oite shi yukamu
English Translation: On the jewel-spear road
setting out upon my way,
I who now depart
shall bear your deeds upon me
as I travel on
Meaning: As I set out on the road and go my way, I will carry your fine deeds with me to the capital.
Commentary: Book Nineteen 4251

Headnote: "At dawn on the fifth day I set out. The assistant governor and all the officials below him saw me off together. At that time Ano no Kimi Hiroshima, Chief District Official of Imizu, had prepared a farewell feast in the woods before his gate. Here the envoy with the census accounts, Ōtomo no Sukune Yakamochi, responded to the poem with which Kura no Imiki Nawamaro offered him a cup"
At dawn on the fifth day of the eighth month, at a farewell feast that Ano no Hiroshima, Chief District Official of Imizu, had set up in the woods before his gate for Yakamochi's departure, the assistant governor Nawamaro offered a cup with a poem, and Yakamochi responds: setting out on the road, he will carry Nawamaro's fine achievements with him to the capital.
Going up to the capital to report as governor, Yakamochi promises to convey the merits of Nawamaro, who shared in governing the province—a greeting of gratitude and trust. Nawamaro's poem offering the cup is not recorded.
The poet, Ōtomo no Yakamochi, was the son of the Grand Counselor Ōtomo no Tabito. After more than five years as Governor of Etchū, he was appointed Junior Counselor in 751 and was on the road back to the capital. He is thought to have played a central role in compiling the Man'yōshū.

First line, "tamahoko no," is a pillow word for "michi" (road).
Second line, "michi ni idetachi" (setting out on the road), marks the departure for the capital.
Third line, "yuku ware wa" (I who go), names the poet himself.
Fourth line, "kimi ga kototo o" (your achievements): "kototo" means deeds or merits, referring to Nawamaro's work as an official.
Fifth line, "oite shi yukamu" (I will carry them as I go): "shi" is emphatic and "mu" volitional, closing with a promise.
Author: Otomo no Yakamochi
Source: Manyoshu
Prev Poem: Shinazakaru Koshi ni itsutose sumisumite tachiwakaremaku oshiki yoi kamo
Next Poem: Kimi ga ie ni uetaru hagi no hatsuhana o orite kazasana tabi wakaru dochi