Kokoro ni wa shinobu to omou kai mo naku shiruki wa koi no namida narikeri

心には忍ぶと思ふかひもなく
しるきは恋の涙なりけり

Roma-ji: Kokoro ni wa shinobu to omou kai mo naku shiruki wa koi no namida narikeri
English Translation: Though in my heart
I think I'm hiding it well,
it's all to no avail—
what shows so plain to see
are the tears that love has brought.
Meaning: Though in my heart I believe I am keeping it hidden, it is all in vain, for what shows so plainly are the tears of love.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1247

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "One hundred and ten love poems"
Though in my heart I think I am keeping it hidden, it is to no avail, for what shows plainly are the tears of love, the poet says.
Though in the preceding poem he resolved not to speak, he realizes that whatever his heart may intend, tears cannot be hidden. Like 1243 of this book, it treats the theme of tears betraying hidden love.

First line, “kokoro ni wa”: in my heart.
Second line, “shinobu to omou”: thinking I am hiding it.
Third line, “kai mo naku”: to no avail.
Fourth line, “shiruki wa koi no”: shirushi is to show plainly.
Fifth line, “namida narikeri”: keri marks realization, "it is the tears."
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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