I had asked that Master of Discipline Kōkaku be accorded the honour of the role of reader at the ceremony for the recitation of the Vimalakīrti nirdeśa Sutra, and when he was constantly passed over, had complained to the Hosshōji Lay Priest and former Palace Minister; even though he mentioned ‘Shimeji plain’, the following year Kōkaku was once more passed over, so I composed this and sent it to him.

契りおきしさせもが露をいのちにてあはれことしの秋もいぬめり

tigiri okisi sasemo ga tuyu wo inoti nite aFare kotosi no aki mo inumeri

A promise dropped, as Dewfall on the mugwort— Such is life, so Miserable, this year’s Autumn must arrive.

Fujiwara no Mototoshi