aki fukaki kiku no kakine no tsukikage ni shimo ka to tsuyu zo kiekarikeru
In the depths of autumn On the chrysanthemums by the brushwood fence In the moonlight, The dewdrops, almost as frost, Has vanished and returned again…[i]
sode no ue ni narurugao naru hikari kana tsuki koso tabi no kokoro shirikere
Upon my sleeves Seeming to run with tears Does the light! Even the moon the journey’s Mood does know![i]
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[i] An allusive variation on: Topic unknown. あひにあひて物思ふころのわが袖にやどる月さへぬるるかほなる ai ni aite/ mono’omou koro no / wa ga sode ni / yadoru tsuki sae / nururu kao naru ‘So many times have we met; / In gloomy thought / Upon my sleeves / Where rests the moon / Even her face wet with tears.’ Ise (Kokinshū XV: 756)
ōkata no aki mo sabishiki ko no ma yori tsuki moru matsu o kaze harauran
In general Autumn is also lonely when From between the trunks Moonlight pours as the pines Seem swept by the breeze.[i]
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[i] See. Topic unknown. このまよりもりくる月の影見れば心づくしの秋はきにけり ko no ma yori/ morikuru tsuki no / kage mireba / kokorozukushi no . aki wa kinikeri ‘Between the trees / Drips moon / Light, seeing it I know / Heart draining / Autumn, has come at last.’ Anonymous (Kokinshū IV: 184)
