Round Seven

Left (M – Win)

霜がれの菊なかりせばいとどしく冬の籬やさびしからまし

shimogare no kiku nakariseba itodoshiku fuyu no magaki ya sabishikaramashi

Were frost-burned Chrysanthemums there to be none, then How much more My brushwood fence in winter Lonely would be…

Lord Sadanobu
37

Right (T – Win)

しも枯るるはじめをみずは白ぎくの移ふ色を惜まざらまし

shimogaruru hajime o mizu wa shiragiku no utsurou iro o osamazaramashi

Frost-burns First sign I see not, so The white chrysanthemum’s Fading hues Cause me no regret at all…

Lord Masamitsu
38

Toshiyori states: the assembled company asked how it can be possible that a brushwood fence in winter would not feel lonely after the chrysanthemums have withered, even granting that they are still there, and this is, of course, the case. In the depths of winter, one would not catch sight of any chrysanthemums. Although, it does sound as if you could could compose in this way, depending upon how early in the season it was. The second poem is of about the same quality, but I feel that I prefer it at the moment.

Mototoshi states: both poems are of the same quality, but ‘My brushwood fence in winter / Lonely would be’ really does make me realise that’s how it is.