Translation


By High Priest Gyoson (1055-1135)


Together

In pity and sorrow,

Oh mountain cherry—

For besides your flowers

There is no one



Original Japanese

Pronunciation



大僧正行尊

Daisojo Gyoson



もろともに

Morotomo ni

哀れと思へ

Aware to omoe

山桜

Yama-zakura

花より外に

Hana yori hoka ni

知る人もなし

Shiru hito mo nashi



Literal Translation


Together

Pity/sorrow/grief feeling

Mountain cherry

Flower than besides/in-addition-to/other

Know person also/there-is none [know person = friends, acquaintances]

                  

In “morotomo,” “tomo” by itself can be read as “friend.”


Gyoson wrote this poem after wandering in the mountain and encountering a love cherry blossom. Both he and the cherry blossom were all alone, except for each other.


Year: 
2012