Yo no naka ni sumanu mo yoshi ya aki no tsuki nigoreru mizu no tatau sakari ni

世の中にすまぬもよしや秋の月
濁れる水のたたふさかりに

Roma-ji: Yo no naka ni sumanu mo yoshi ya aki no tsuki nigoreru mizu no tatau sakari ni
English Translation: Not to dwell, run clear,
in this world, is just as well,
for the autumn moon
cannot shine in water at
the height of its muddy flood.
Meaning: It is well enough not to live in the world, for even the autumn moon cannot shine clear in water while it brims with mud.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 720

Headnote: "Sent to someone who ought to have served in the world but had shut himself away"
This poem was sent to a man who ought to have taken office but was living in seclusion. Just as even the autumn moon cannot be reflected clearly while muddy water brims, so in this troubled, murky age it is well enough not to live in the world, the poet says, affirming and consoling the other's retirement.

First line, “yo no naka ni”: in the world of affairs.
Second line, “sumanu mo yoshi ya”: suma is a pivot word joining dwelling in the world and the moon shining clear; yoshi ya, it is well enough; the poem breaks here.
Third line, “aki no tsuki”: the autumn moon, an emblem of clear light, taking up sumanu.
Fourth line, “nigoreru mizu no”: muddied water, a figure for a troubled age, set against sumu, to run clear.
Fifth line, “tatau sakari ni”: tatau is to brim; at the height of the muddy flood.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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