Kono yo nite kataraiokan hototogisu shide no yamaji no shirube to mo nare

この世にて語らひ置かん郭公
死出の山路のしるべともなれ

Roma-ji: Kono yo nite kataraiokan hototogisu shide no yamaji no shirube to mo nare
English Translation: In this world, while here,
let us talk together, you,
cuckoo, and become
my guide too along the path
across the mountain of death.
Meaning: While we are still in this world, let us talk together, cuckoo; and be my guide, too, along the mountain path of death.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 750

Headnote: "Sent to me by the Lady Horikawa, a lady-in-waiting of Taikenmon'in"
This poem was sent to Saigyō by the Lady Horikawa, who served Taikenmon'in. The cuckoo was said to come over the mountain of death and was called the guide of the land of the dead. Likening Saigyō to the cuckoo, she says let us be close while still in this world, and be my guide on the mountain path of death, asking for his guidance in the life to come.

First line, “kono yo nite”: while in this world.
Second line, “kataraiokan”: katarau is to talk intimately; n expresses intention.
Third line, “hototogisu”: the cuckoo, said to come from the mountain of death, standing for Saigyō; the poem breaks with this call.
Fourth line, “shide no yamaji no”: shide no yama is the mountain the dead must cross.
Fifth line, “shirube to mo nare”: an imperative, become my guide.
Author: Taikenmon-in no Horikawa
Source: Sankashu
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