Monk Saigyo's "What an excuse" (Hyakunin Isshu #86)
by Frank Watson
Translation


By Monk Saigyō (1118-1190)


“Lament!”

Says the moon

As I ponder things—

But what an excuse

For my troubled face’s tears



Original Japanese
Pronunciation


西行法師
Saigyō Hōshi


なげけとて
Nageke tote
月やは物を
Tsuki ya wa mono wo
思はする
Omowasuru
かこちがほなる
Kakochi gao naru
わがなみだかな
Waga namida kana


Literal Notes

         

[Sigh/lament/grieve] say

Moon and thing

Think/feel/thinking-over do

[Complain-about/grumble/make-excuse-for/troubled] face is/become

I/my tears/cries how!/alas!


All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2012