Hatuse is a temple near Nara and a common place for lovers to go and pray. It is known for its storms, hence the kanji in its name meaning “beginning torrent.” In this poem, he is comparing his lover's fury with the storms of Hatuse, giving an ironic contrast between the prayers for happiness and the coldness of the fury; he loves her but she doesn't care for him at all.



Translation


Coldheartedly

She blows Hatuse’s

Mountain storm

With more ferocity—

Not exactly what I was praying for...



Original Japanese

Pronunciation



源俊頼朝臣

Minamoto no Toshiyori Ason



うかりける

Ukari keru

人をはつせの

Hito o Hatsuse no

山おろし

Yama oroshi

はげしかれとは

Hageshikare to wa

祈らぬものを

Inoranu mono wo



Literal


Carelessly/thoughtlessly/inadvertently/unkind is

Person beginning-torrents ’s/of [beginning-torrent = Hatsuse]

Mountain [wind storm/fall/precipitate/go down]

[Violent/fierce/tempestuous] [he/become hoarse/wither/blast] that

Pray/wish did not [although (with strong discontent)/but/I wish]


Year: 
2011