MYS V: 793

A poem composed by Lord Ōtomo, Governor General of Dazai, on hearing some ill news.

世間は空しきものと知る時しいよよますます悲しかりけり

yo no naka pa
munasiki mono to
siru toki si
yoyo masumasu
kanasikarikeri
This world of ours
Is a fragile thing, indeed –
When I realise this
Ever ever greater
Is my sorrow!

Ōtomo no Tabito
大伴旅人

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