Translated: Basho's "A Wintry Shower ~ while the frustrated pines ~ wait for snow"
by Frank Watson
A wintry shower—
While the frustrated pines
Wait for snow

時雨をやもどかしがりて松の雪

Shigure wo ya
Modokashi-gari te
Matsu no yuki

Literal & Notes
Wintry shower
Frustrated
Pine’s snow

“Pine” is a symbol of waiting as it has the same pronunciation as “waiting.” Wintry showers change the color of all trees’ leaves except evergreens, so they are jealous and waiting for their beautiful winter snow coat.
All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2011