Round Eleven

Left

立ちかはる春をしれともみせがほに年をへだつる霞なりけり

tachikawaru haru o shire tomo misegao ni toshi o hedatsuru kasumi narikeri

‘The turn to Spring I would you know!’ Reveals, Standing at the year’s edge, The haze.

21

Right (Win)

岩まとぢし氷もいまはとけ初めて苔の下水道もとむなり

iwama tojishi kōri mo ima wa tokehajimete koke no shitamizu michi motomu nari

Cracks between the crags sealed By ice, now Beginning to melt, and The water ‘neath the moss Seeks to find its way.

22

The poem of the Left appears to have suitable configuration and diction, but even though the expression ‘reveals’ is something which one and all, and even I, compose with, I still feel that it is a word which is better avoided in a poetry match. Victory should be awarded according to a poem’s style. The poem of the Right has charming conception and diction. I should say it wins.