Isonokami furuki sumika e wakeireba shika no asaji ni tsuyu no koboruru

石上古き住みかへ分け入れば
鹿の浅茅に露のこぼるる

Roma-ji: Isonokami furuki sumika e wakeireba shika no asaji ni tsuyu no koboruru
English Translation: Isonokami's
old dwelling, when I push through
to make my way there,
from the reed grass where deer lie,
the beads of dew come spilling.
Meaning: When I push my way through to the old dwelling, dew spills from the sparse reed grass where the deer lie.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1024

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "Topic unknown"
When I push through to the old dwelling, dew spills from the sparse reed grass where the deer lie, the poet says, picturing the loneliness of a ruined home through the deer's resting place in the reeds and the spilling dew, which also suggests tears.

First line, “Isonokami”: a pillow word leading to furu, old.
Second line, “furuki sumika e”: to the old dwelling.
Third line, “wakeireba”: as I push through the grass.
Fourth line, “shika no asaji ni”: on the sparse reed grass where deer lie; asaji is low reed grass.
Fifth line, “tsuyu no koboruru”: the dew spills, closing in the attributive with a sigh; the dew hints at tears.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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