Uguisu wa tani no furusu o idenu tomo waga yukue o ba wasurezaranan

鶯は谷の古巣を出でぬとも
我が行方をば忘れざらなん

Roma-ji: Uguisu wa tani no furusu o idenu tomo waga yukue o ba wasurezaranan
English Translation: Though the warbler goes
forth from its old valley nest
and leaves it behind,
may it not forget at least
the place where I make my home.
Meaning: Even if the warbler leaves its old nest in the valley, I hope it will not forget where I am.
Commentary: Spring Poems 28

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "When the warbler's voice was no longer heard in the valley where I lived"
This is the second poem in the sequence. Even if it cannot be helped that the warbler leaves its old nest in the valley, the poet asks it at least not to forget him, who still lives in the valley.
Where the preceding poem lamented that the poet might have to sing in its place, this one states plainly his wish to the departed bird. It reveals the feelings of a mountain dweller who cherishes the warbler like a friend.

First line, “uguisu wa”: singling out the valley warbler, the subject of the sequence.
Second line, “tani no furusu o”: the nest in the valley where the warbler has lived.
Third line, “idenu tomo”: even if it has left, a concessive supposition.
Fourth line, “waga yukue o ba”: where I am, emphasized by o ba.
Fifth line, “wasurezaranan”: nan expresses a wish addressed to another, closing with the plea to the warbler not to forget.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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