Masaoka Shiki: "Spring's dead wood"
by Frank Watson
My Translation

How long will

Spring’s dead wood stay?

Its used, worn-out shoes


Original Japanese


いつまでか春の枯木の古わらじ


Pronunciation


Itsu made ka

Haru no kareki no

Furu-waraji


Literal


1. [How long / until when] [I wonder]

2. Spring’s [dead tree/dry wood]’s

3. Old/used [cheap straw sandals]


Waraji are cheap, crudely constructed sandals made of straw that might only last a day if you’re doing a lot of walking.

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