つゆをみて草葉のうへとおもひしは時まつ程の命なりけり
tsuyu o mite kusaba no ue to omoishi wa toki matsu hodo no inochi narikeri | As a dewdrop it appears Resting atop a blade of grass— So I did think; Such a short thing Is life. |
On plucking the zither, playing the flute, and enjoying herself somewhere.
聞く人のみみさへさむく秋風に吹きあはせたる笛のこゑかな
kiku hito no mimi sae samuku akikaze ni fukiawasetaru fue no koe kana | The folk listening Have even had their ear chilled By the autumn breeze Blowing to them together with The flute’s notes! |
Izumi Shikibu (?-976?)
和泉式部
On scarlet ivy, clinging to a pine tree overlooking the ocean.
紅葉する蔦しかかればおのづから松もあたなる名ぞ立ちぬべき
momidisuru tuta sika kareba onodukara matu mo adanaru na zo tatinubeki |
Turning scarlet, The ivy does entangle it, so That it’s done it by itself, Will the pine a certain Reputation achieve! |
Izumi Shikibu
和泉式部
When the house of Bishop Mokuban burnt down, I sent a message, with this, to his mother.
出でにける門のほかをし知らぬ身は問ふべき程もさたすきにけり
idenikeru kado no Foka wo si siranu mi Fa toFubeki Fodo mo sada suginikeri |
Departed Through that other gate have you, while In ignorance, I, When I should have known, Have passed my time. |
Izumi Shikibu
和泉式部