Basho: "If only the wind wouldn't sour!"
by Frank Watson
My Translation

The full bloom

Of apricots untouched—

If only the wind wouldn’t sour!


Original Japanese


盛りなる梅にす手引く風もがな


Pronunciation


Sakuri naru

Sude ni su-de hiku

Kaze mogana


Literal

1. [flourishing/full bloom] is/becomes

2. [Japanese apricot] [[empty/vinegar/sour] hand taking = leave w/o touching]

3. Wind [also how! / it would be nice!]


“Su” also means empty, vinegar, and sour. Japanese apricots are too sour to eat fresh, so Japanese eat them pickled. It suggests a sour feeling because the wind is going to “sour” the apricot’s bloom.

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