‘Receiving a cap of rank’ was a euphemism for gaining promotion to Junior Fifth Rank, Lower Grade, the ceremonies for which were carried out in the First Month. It is believed that Tamesuke gained his promotion in 990, dating this poem to the Eighth Month 989. Sanekata essentially says, ‘You’ve only got five months to go until your promotion!’ and Tamesuke replies, ‘In six months no one will have to ask me about it!’