よろづよに見るべき花の色なれど
今日のにほひはいつか忘れむ
今日のにほひはいつか忘れむ
- Roma-ji
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Yorozuyo ni mirubeki hana no iro naredo kyō no nioi wa itsuka wasuremu
- English Translation
-
For ten thousand years
we shall view these flowers' hues,
their color, and yet
the beauty that they show today
when could I ever forget
- Meaning
- These are blossoms whose colors we may view for ten thousand ages, yet how could I ever forget their beauty as it shines today?
- Commentary
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Book One Spring Poems 41
Even if these flowers can be seen for ages to come, the poet declares that their beauty today is exceptional and unforgettable. The poem carries the wish to commemorate a festive day of blossom viewing.
The author, Akisuke, is Fujiwara no Akisuke. A son of Fujiwara no Akisue, he rose to Master of the Western Capital Office. A poet of the Rokujō Fujiwara house, he compiled the Shikawakashū at the command of Retired Emperor Sutoku.
First line, 'yorozuyo ni', uses yorozuyo, as in poem 33, to celebrate long continuance.
Second line, 'mirubeki hana no', means flowers that are to be seen.
Third line, 'iro naredo', is concessive, setting off the special quality of today in the lower half.
Fourth line, 'kyō no nioi wa', uses nioi, the radiant beauty of today's blossoms.
Final line, 'itsuka wasuremu', is rhetorical: when would I forget? Never.
- Author
- Fujiwara no Akisuke
- Source
- Kinyo Wakashu
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