Katsu susugu sawa no kozeri no ne o shiromi kiyoge ni mono o omowazu mogana

かつすすぐ沢の小芹の根を白み
清げに物を思はずもがな

Roma-ji: Katsu susugu sawa no kozeri no ne o shiromi kiyoge ni mono o omowazu mogana
English Translation: Like the little cress
in the marsh, whose roots wash white
even as they're rinsed,
if only I could be clean
and free of all brooding thought.
Meaning: Like the little cress in the marsh, whose roots wash white as they are rinsed, if only I could be pure and free of brooding.
Commentary: Miscellaneous Poems 1344

Headnote continued from the preceding poem: "One hundred and ten love poems"
As the roots of the little cress in the marsh wash white as soon as they are rinsed, if only he too could be pure, free of brooding, the poet sighs.
The purity of cress roots rinsed white in marsh water is laid over a longing for a pure heart freed from love's brooding. The upper lines act like a preface leading to "pure."

First line, “katsu susugu”: as soon as it is rinsed.
Second line, “sawa no kozeri no”: of the little cress in the marsh.
Third line, “ne o shiromi”: mi expresses cause, "since its roots are white."
Fourth line, “kiyoge ni mono o”: purely, brooding.
Fifth line, “omowazu mogana”: mogana expresses a wish, "if only I did not brood."
Author: Saigyō
Source: Sankashu
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