Awajishima seto no nagoro wa takaku tomo kono shio ni dani oshiwataraba ya

淡路島瀬戸のなごろは高くとも
この潮にだに押し渡らばや

Roma-ji: Awajishima seto no nagoro wa takaku tomo kono shio ni dani oshiwataraba ya
English Translation: Awaji Island,
though the swell in the straits
should be running high,
on this tide at least I would
push my way across the sea.
Meaning: Even if the swells in the straits of Awaji run high, I would at least push across on this tide.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1002

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "Topic unknown"
Even if the swells in the straits of Awaji run high, I would at least push across on this tide, the poet says, voicing the traveler's resolve to cross by boat a strait where the tidal current runs fierce.

First line, “Awajishima”: an island in the Inland Sea, a famed poetic place.
Second line, “seto no nagoro wa”: nagoro are swells remaining after the wind dies.
Third line, “takaku tomo”: tomo is concessive, even if they are high.
Fourth line, “kono shio ni dani”: dani is at least; on this tide at least.
Fifth line, “oshiwataraba ya”: baya expresses a wish; I would push across.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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