Hyakunin Isshu, "I Still Curse the Light of Day"
by Frank Watson
My Translation


By Courtier Fujiwara no Michinobu


It’s dawn and though I know

The night’s love scene

Will play again—

I still curse

The light of day


Original Japanese
Pronunciation


藤原道信朝臣
Fujiwara no Michinobu Ason


明けぬれば
Akenureba
暮るるものとは
Kururu mono to wa
知りながら
Shiri nagara
なをうらめしき
Nao urameshiki
あさぼらけかな
Asaborake kana

Literal Translation


[To dawn/grow light/open] [wet/paint when -- or “love scene”]

[Sunset/dusk/grow dark/close] is thing [that]

[Know/understand/feel] [though/while/even though]

[Furthermore/nevertheless/mischief/common] [resent/curse/blame/regret]

[Light of dawn/daybreak] how!/alas!


The poem originally has a note saying it was sent to a woman after returning home on a snowy day.


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