Kagurauta ni kusa torikau wa itakeredo nao sono koma ni naru koto wa ushi

神楽歌に草取り飼ふはいたけれど
なほその駒になることは憂し

Roma-ji: Kagurauta ni kusa torikau wa itakeredo nao sono koma ni naru koto wa ushi
English Translation: In the kagura songs,
gathering grass to feed it,
how fine it may be;
yet still, to be born as that
colt would be a sorry fate.
Meaning: In the sacred kagura songs it is charming to sing of cutting grass to feed the colt, yet still, to be reborn as that colt would be wretched.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 899

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "When composing poems on the six realms: Beasts"
This is the third of the six-realm poems, on the realm of beasts. The kagura song 'Sono Koma' has a passage where the colt asks for grass and one sings of cutting grass to feed it. It is charming to sing so in the kagura songs, but still, to be reborn as that colt, a beast, would be wretched, the poet says.

First line, “kagurauta ni”: in the songs of the sacred kagura; a line of six syllables.
Second line, “kusa torikau wa”: cutting grass to feed it, drawing on the words of 'Sono Koma.'
Third line, “itakeredo”: itashi is fine, charming; though it is charming.
Fourth line, “nao sono koma ni”: still, as that colt, taking the words of the song's title.
Fifth line, “naru koto wa ushi”: to be reborn so is wretched.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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