By Kara's cape
(what sea-babble Kara hears)
the seaweed rises
from the ocean floor
by ivy-clothed Ihami,
and all along the sea sands
float fine sea-tangles.
So, far within me, floats
love deep as anchored kelp
for her who sleeps by me,
like a plant at rest upon the shore.
Alas, our days of joy have not been many.
Each time we're torn apart
it is as cruel as ripping clinging ivy
from the trunk it shelters on.
. . . .
Now all my heart,
chief ruler of my being,
is filled with sorrow,
as casting long looks backwards
to our home-place, dear,
I find the ruddy shower of autumn leaves,
with which Watari Mountain glows,
hides from my eyes the waving of your sleeve
bidding me farewell,
while on the waters of Yakami
infrequent rifts in scudding clouds allow
moon beams to shimmer—
sad moon, drawing up sad thoughts—
and the sun barely lingering
ends its course far in the west—
I can be resolute in battle
yet now my fine silk sleeves
are drenched with dew of tears.
In headlong gallop
on his gray horse he hurries
beyond all knowing
and far beyond he leaves
her home-place whom he loves.
High hill of Autumn
delay the falling
of your so ruddy leaves.
A little longer let me
gaze at what she gazes on,
gazing towards me.