Monk Henjo's "Heavenly wind" - from Hyakunin Isshu
by Frank Watson
It is said that Monk Henjo wrote this tanka after seeing young ladies dance at a festival. In the poem, he’s referring to Buddhist mythological maidens living in the sky.



My Translation


By Monk Henjo


Heavenly wind

Of the cloud’s commute,

Stop your blowing, please—

I see a maiden’s form

And want to look awhile.


Original Japanese


僧正遍昭


天つ風

雲のかよひ路

吹きとぢよ

乙女のすがた

しばしとどめむ


Japanese Pronunciation


Google Translator


Sojo Henjo


Ama tsu kaze

Kumo no kayoiji

Fuki toji yo

Otome no sugata

Shibashi todomen


Literal Word-for-Word


Heavenly wind

Cloud’s commute route

Blowing close please

Maiden’s appearance

For a short while stay

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