Basho's "The weeping willow's hair"
by Frank Watson

My Translation

Spring wind combs

Here and there—

The weeping willow’s hair


Original Japanese


あち東風や面々さばき柳髪


Pronunciation


Achi-kochi ya

Men men sabaki

Yanagi-gami


Literal


1. over there [east wind/spring wind] /  [homonym = here and there]

2. [each one / all / every direction] [judge/handle/arrange/comb (hair)]

3. Weeping willow hair


Without the kanji, “achi-kochi” means “here and there.” With the kanji using a homonym for “kochi” it becomes “over there, the spring wind.” “Men men sabaki” can mean “each one doing on its own” or “do it yourself” when as a command. It can also be “in all directions combing its hair.”
All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2011