Yamabito yo Yoshino no oku no shirube seyo hana mo tazunen mata omoi ari

山人よ吉野の奥のしるべせよ
花も尋ねんまた思ひあり

Roma-ji: Yamabito yo Yoshino no oku no shirube seyo hana mo tazunen mata omoi ari
English Translation: Mountain dweller, you,
be my guide into the depths
of Yoshino's hills;
I would seek the blossoms, and
there is another thought besides.
Meaning: Mountain folk, guide me into the depths of Yoshino; I would seek the blossoms, and I have another purpose too.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1034

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "Topic unknown"
Mountain folk, guide me into the depths of Yoshino; I would seek the blossoms, and I have another purpose too, the poet says. The depths of Yoshino are both famed for blossoms and a place where recluses withdraw, and along with seeing the flowers he hints at a wish to hide himself in the deep mountains.

First line, “yamabito yo”: mountain folk, a call.
Second line, “Yoshino no oku no”: of the depths of Yoshino.
Third line, “shirube seyo”: an imperative, be my guide; the poem breaks here.
Fourth line, “hana mo tazunen”: I would seek the blossoms too.
Fifth line, “mata omoi ari”: I have another purpose, hinting at withdrawal from the world.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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