Imasara ni nani ka wa hito mo togamu beki hajimete nururu tamoto naraneba

今さらに何かは人も咎むべき
初めて濡るる袂ならねば

Roma-ji: Imasara ni nani ka wa hito mo togamu beki hajimete nururu tamoto naraneba
English Translation: Now, after so long,
why would anyone think to
question me at all?
For these are not sleeves that weep
for the very first time now.
Meaning: Why would anyone question me now? These are not sleeves that are wet with tears for the first time.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1281

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "One hundred and ten love poems"
Why would anyone reproach my tears now? the poet asks; these are not sleeves wet for the first time.
A poem tinged with self-mockery: the tears of a long love are now so familiar that no one questions them. The length and depth of a love in which tears have become everyday come through.

First line, “imasara ni”: now, at this late date.
Second line, “nani ka wa hito mo”: ka wa is rhetorical, "why would anyone."
Third line, “togamu beki”: answering ka wa, "would they reproach me? No"; the poem breaks here.
Fourth line, “hajimete nururu”: wet for the first time.
Fifth line, “tamoto naraneba”: since they are not such sleeves, the inversion giving the reason.
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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