Summer I: 2

Left (Win).

花はみな散りはてにけり夏木立みどりも春の色ならぬかは

hana wa mina
chirihatenikeri
natsu kodachi
midori mo haru no
iro naranu ka wa
The blossoms have all
Finished falling, but
The summer clustered trees’
Green – of spring
Is it not, too, a shade?

Lord Ari’ie.

183

Right.

夏衣うすもへぎなるわかゝえで秋染めかへむ色ぞゆかしき

natsu koromo
usu moeginaru
waka kaede
akizome kaemu
iro zo yukashiki
The summer garb of
Pale grass-green
Young maple trees
To autumn shades will change;
How I long to see those hues!

Lord Tsune’ie.

184

The Right state, ‘In the previous round there was an assessment that our poem was inappropriate: if so, this poem of the Left’s seems to contain a concealed longing for Spring.’ The Left reply, ‘The previous poem concluded with “sacred groves” (kamunabi no mori). This poem has “Is it not, too, a shade?” (iro naranu ka wa), and so a spirit of appreciation of summer. It is the same as Right’s poem in the previous round.’

Shunzei’s judgement is, ‘Although I have little liking for “summer clustered trees” (natsu kodachi), “green – of spring” (midori mo haru no) seems particularly fine. The Right’s poem does not appear to be appreciating new trees and, saying “To autumn shades will change; How I long to see those hues!” (akizome kaemu iro zo yukashiki) is contrary to the central meaning of the topic. Furthermore, “how I long” (yukashiki) is an unsuitable expression. The Left must win.’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *