This poem was an entrant in a poetry contest and was tied for first place. The emperor broke the tie by favoring this one.


My Translation


Though I have concealed it,

My color has shown

—My yearning, my passion—

So much that someone has asked,

“Is something on your mind?”



Original Japanese

Pronunciation



平兼盛

Taira no Kanemori



忍ぶれど

Shinoburedo

色に出でにけり

Iro ni ide ni keri

わが恋は

Waga koi wa

物や思ふと

Mono ya omou to

人の問ふまで

Hito no tou made



Literal


[Hidden/concealed myself] though

[Color/love/love affair/lover] [has gone out]

[My/harmony/peace] [love/tender passion/yearning]

[Thing/object/substance/something] [feeling/thinking]

Person’s question [until/as far as/so much so]


Year: 
2011