Oki, yori, Fusi, i

Tsurayuki has created a particularly complex wordplay in this poem, revolving around the correct series of actions for shooting a bow: one should lift it (oki), position one’s body (Fusi), draw the bow (yoru) and shoot it (i). Simultaneously, these words describe the lover during the night: getting up (oki), lying down (Fusi), at night (yoru) and sleep (i).

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