Lady Kii's "Coquettish waves" (Hyakunin Isshu #72)
by Frank Watson
Translation

By Lady Kii (Yushi Naishinno-ke no Kii, 1087-1109)

I’ve heard the sound
Of Takeshi Beach’s
Coquettish waves—
And I will not venture
Lest I wet my sleeves


Original Japanese
Pronunciation


祐子内親王家紀伊
Yushi Naishinno-ke no Kii


音にきく
Oto ni kiku
高師の浜の
Takashi no hama no
あだ浪は
Adanami wa
かけじや袖の
Kakeji ya sode no
ぬれもこそすれ
Nure mo koso sure


Literal Notes

Sound hear [i.e., know their fame]
Takashi ’s beach ’s
[Vain/futile/foe/enemy/coquettish-woman] wave
[Soar/fly/run/dash/wage/risk/gamble] no and sleeve
Wet this/indeed do/be

Takashi Beach is near Osaka and was famous for its waves. “Ada” means “vain/futile” but can also be “coquettish woman,” thus a wordplay symbolizing flirtation. However, the waves come and go, thus her suitor is not reliable. Sleeves are an emblem of love and wetting the sleeves is a common Japanese poetic symbol for wiping off the tears.

All writings and translations are Copyright © by Frank Watson, also writing as "Blue Flute" (2011-2014).
Year: 
2012