Koto shigemi aitowanaku ni ume no hana yuki ni shiorete utsurowamu kamo

言繁み相問はなくに梅の花
雪にしをれてうつろはむかも

Roma-ji: Koto shigemi aitowanaku ni ume no hana yuki ni shiorete utsurowamu kamo
English Translation: Since gossip runs thick,
I do not come to call, and
the plum blossoms—
wilting in the falling snow,
will they fade away, I fear?
Meaning: Because of people's gossip I do not come to visit—and meanwhile, will the plum blossoms wilt in the snow and fade away?
Commentary: Book Nineteen 4282

Headnote: "Three poems from a banquet at the house of the Junior Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs, Isonokami no Ason Yakatsugu, on the fourth day of the first month of the fifth year"
Composed by the host, Isonokami no Yakatsugu, at a banquet at his home on the fourth day of the first month of 753, it worries that while he refrains from visiting because of people's gossip, the plum blossoms may wilt in the snow and fall. It is read as likening the plum to a beloved woman, lamenting a love that cannot be pursued for fear of others' eyes.
As a banquet greeting, it uses the device of an allegorical love poem, deftly bringing in the New Year scene of plum in snow. The left note says, "The above poem: the host, Isonokami no Ason Yakatsugu."
The poet, Isonokami no Yakatsugu, a grandson of Isonokami no Maro, later rose to Grand Counselor. Famed as a man of letters, he is known for establishing the Untei in his residence, said to be Japan's first public library.

First line, "koto shigemi" (since gossip is thick): "koto" is people's talk, and "mi" expresses cause.
Second line, "aitowanaku ni" (while I do not visit): "aitou" means to call on.
Third line, "ume no hana" (the plum blossoms), stands at the center as a figure for the beloved.
Fourth line, "yuki ni shiorete" (wilting in the snow): "shioru" means to droop.
Fifth line, "utsurowamu kamo" (will they fade?): "utsurou" means to fade or fall, and "kamo" combines doubt and emotion.
Author: Isonokami no Yakatsugu
Source: Manyoshu
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