From Hyakunin Isshu, "My heart's hit by anticipation"
by Frank Watson
In this poem, the speaker wants to pluck a white chrysanthemum flower but can't find it amid the white snow.

My Translation

My heart’s hit by anticipation

And if I pluck it, it will be by chance—

For the first frost

Has placed a veil of confusion

Over the white chrysanthemum


Original Japanese


凡河内躬恒


心あてに

折らばや折らむ

初霜の

おきまどはせる

白菊の花


Pronunciation


Oshikochi no Mitsune


Kokoroate ni

Orabaya oran

Hatsushimo no

Oki madowaseru

Shiragiku no hana


Literal


1. [Heart hit/make up = guess/anticipation] by/with

2. [If have chance/opportunity/ to fold] [May take it / fold]

3. First frost’s

4. [Put/placed/wake/give up/rise] [window/to be puzzled/perplexed/lost/have doubts/under delusion]

5. White chrysanthemum flower


It will be by chance if the speaker plucks the flower because the frost is white and the flower is white, so it can’t be seen.


White chrysanthemums are the emperor’s emblem and they are also the flowers placed on funeral alters.

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