The lonely night
by Frank Watson
This tanka, written by Kakinomoto no Hitomaru (柿本の人麻呂), says the night will be as long as the long, flowing tail of the copper pheasant if he cannot be with his lover.


 

 
My Translation


On a mountain slope

The tail of the copper pheasant

Flows and flows—

So long, like this night

If I’m to sleep alone


Original Japanese


あしびきの

山鳥の尾の

しだり尾の

ながながし夜を

ひとりかも寝む


Pronunciation


Google Translator


Ashi-biki no

Yama-dori no o no

Shidari-o no

Naga-nagashi yo wo

Hitori kamo nen


Literal Translation


Mountain slope’s(1)

Mountain bird’s tail’s

Long hanging tail’s

Long, long night

Alone maybe sleep?



(1) The first word, "ashi-biki" actually does not have a literal meaning. It is a "pillow word" generically used in a mountain setting.
All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2011