時しもあれ花の盛りにつらければ
思はぬ山に入りやしなまし
思はぬ山に入りやしなまし
- Roma-ji
-
Toki shi mo are hana no sakari ni tsurakereba omowanu yama ni iri ya shinamashi
- English Translation
-
Of all times, this one,
in the full flush of the flowers,
since you are so cruel,
into some unthought-of hills
shall I go and leave the world?
- Meaning
- Of all times, now, at the height of the blossoms, you are so cruel to me—shall I go off into some unlooked-for mountains and leave the world behind?
- Commentary
-
Book Two Spring Poems II 70
Headnote: "Sent to Shōni."
In the fine season of full bloom, the one he loves is cold to him, so he wonders whether to withdraw into some unexpected mountains and renounce the world, voicing his resentment in love. The festive brightness of the flower season is set against a heart sunk in the sorrows of love.
According to the headnote, it was sent to Shōni. The next poem is Shōni's reply, and the two form an exchange.
The poet, Fujiwara no Asatada, was a son of Fujiwara no Sadakata and rose to Middle Counselor. He was also called the Tsuchimikado Middle Counselor and is counted among the Thirty-Six Immortal Poets.
The first line, "Toki shi mo are," means "of all the times there are," lamenting that it should be now of all times.
The second line, "hana no sakari ni," names the season of cherries in full bloom, stressing that it should be a joyful time.
The third line, "tsurakereba," means "since you are so cruel," giving the reason.
The fourth line, "omowanu yama ni," refers to unexpected mountains one enters to renounce the world. The next poem, 71, answers with the same phrase, "omowanu yama."
In the last line, "ya" is an interrogative particle forming a kakarimusubi pattern with the attributive "mashi." "Mashi" expresses hesitant intention, as he wavers over entering the mountains.
- Author
- Fujiwara no Asatada
- Source
- Gosen Wakashu
- Prev Poem
-
Nioi koki hana no ka mote zo shirarekeru uete miruran hito no kokoro wa
- Next Poem
-
Waga tame ni omowanu yama no oto ni nomi hana sakariyuku haru o uramimu