Courtier Onakatomi no Yoshinobu's "The guards' fire"
by Frank Watson
Translation

By the Royal Gate
The guards' fire
Burns by night and
Blows out by day:
I think of you

Original Japanese
Pronunciation


大中臣能宣朝臣
Onakatomi no Yoshinobu Ason


みかき守
Mikakimori
衛士のたく火の
Eji no taku hi no
夜はもえ
Yoru wa moe
昼は消えつつ
Hiru wa kie tsutsu
物をこそおもへ
Mono wo koso omoe

Literal Translation

Imperial Palace gates
Guard ’s kindled fire ’s
Night by burning
Day by [extinguished/overcome by grief]
Things to indeed think

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