A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa

“A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” (June 15, 1931)
Zuikô (Auspicious Light), Issue 1, Number 2, July 1, 1931


1	おもうどち　三十余りの人々と　房州に向け両国駅たつ
	Thirty-some like- Minded persons set Off from Ryogoku Station heading for The Boshu district.	#1, S2-34A; S5-162A おもふどち　三十余りの人つれて　房州に向け都たつ今朝 In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 7, #28, December 23, 1949.
		S5-162A translation Accompanied by / Some thirty like-minded / Persons, we left the / Capital, headed for / Boshu this morning.

2	小林の　夫人や高久女史と　歓談倦まず保田駅に着く
	Not tiring of Conversing with Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi And Mrs. Takaku, the Train arrives at Hota Station.	#2, S2-34B.

3	両女史の　話につられて沿道の　景色も眼に入らず夕暮る
	Caught up in Conversation with the Two ladies, I do not even Notice the scenery along the Road as dusk sets in.	#3, S2-34C.

4	月のなき　闇路を衝いて自動車は　麓の茶屋へ安く着きけり
	Piercing through the Pitch black road on a night With no moon, the taxi Easily arrived at the Mountain-side tea house.	#4, S2-34D; S5-162B 朝まだき　野辺ぬいながら自動車は　麓の茶屋へはや着きにけり In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 7, #29, December 23, 1949.
		S5-162B translation The taxi quickly arrived / At the mountain-side tea / House after threading its / Way through the / Still-dark predawn fields.

5	提灯の　かそけき灯光にとぼとぼと　石の階段登りゆくかな
	The faint Light of the lantern Flickers as We climb The stone steps.	#5, S2-34E; S5-162C 提灯の　かそけき光にとぼとぼと　石の階段ようやく登りぬ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 8, #30, December 23, 1949; previous S5-162C translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 156.
		S5-162C translation The faint / Light of the lantern / Flickers as we finally / Arrive at the top of / The stone steps.
		The Light from the East translation By the dim light / Of the lanterns / We wobbled along, / Climbing the stone stairs, / Till we finally reach the top.
6	鋸山　中腹にある日本寺に　入れば時計は十時半打つ
	As we arrive at Nihon-ji Temple half- Way up Nokogiri mountain, The clock strikes Half past ten.	#6, S2-35A; S5-162D 鋸山　麓すぐればあくがれの　日本寺の門いかめしくたてる In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 8, #31, December 23, 1949; previous S5-162D translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 157.
		S5-162D translation As we passed / The foot of Mt. Nokogiri, / The gate of the / Great respected temple / Nihon-ji proudly stands.
		The Light from the East translation Putting behind us / The foot of Mount Nokogiri, / We found ourselves drawn / To the temple gate Nihon-ji, / A most imposing edifice.

7	山寺の　広々として夜の眼にも　あたりの古式色床しく見えけり
	The wide expanse of The mountain temple Venerably appears In the eyes Of the night.	#7, S2-35B; S5-162E 山寺の　畳ひろびろし夜の眼にも　古りしけはいの床しかりける In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 8, #32, December 23, 1949; previous S5-162E translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 157.
		S5-162E translation The wide expanse of the / Straw mats in the / Mountain temple is a / Modest repose of antiquity / Even in the eyes of the night.
		The Light from the East translation The mountain temple / With its spacious rooms / Even at night / Offers comfort and attraction / In an old-fashioned sort of way.

8	藁葺の　いとも康末な風呂に入り　汗を流せば甦りける
	Getting into a crude bath Tub in a straw- thatched Hut, greatly refreshed We feel as the dirt of Travel washes away.	#8, S2-35C; S5-163A 藁葺の　わびしくも建つ風呂につかり　汗を流してほと甦がえる In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 8, #33, December 23, 1949; previous S5-163A translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 157.
		S5-163A translation Dipping into the bath tub / Of the solitary, straw-thatched hut, / We bathed / And completely / Refreshed ourselves.
		The Light from the East translation With a thatch roof it was / Crude, indeed, but taking a bath / And washing away the sweat / Made us feel / As if coming back to life.

9	禅寺の　夜は深々と更けわたり　話の興は果つべくもなし
	Ever deepens night At the Zen temple With no end In sight to our Fascinating conversation.	#9, S2-35D; S5-163B 禅寺の　夜は深々と更けわたり　話り合ひつつ果つべくもなし In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 8, #34, December 23, 1949; previous S5-163B translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 157.
		S5-163B translation Ever deepens night / At the Zen temple / As deepens / Our discussion / With no end in sight.
		The Light from the East translation At the Zen temple / Deeper and deeper / Night is advancing, / And we talk on and one, / As if it might never end.

10	流石にも　疲れたる人次々に　臥床に入れば吾も寝ねけり
	As the exhausted people Go to their beds to sleep One after another, I finally go to Sleep myself.	#10, S2-35E

11	清水氏や　服部氏の骨折に　特別の室に安く寝ねしも
	Through the efforts of Mr. Shimizu and Hattori, We slept in a Special room for a Rather reasonable rate.	#11, S2-36A.

12	真夜中の　三時に眼覚めければ　華胥の国人次々起せり
	At three o’clock of the Middle of the night when I awake, I have to arouse One after another residents Of the land of slumber.	#12, S2-36B.

13	足弱き　人等居残り山登る　一行二十五人寺出づ
	Leaving behind Those with weak legs, A party of twenty-five persons To ascend the mountain Departs the temple.	#13, S2-36C; S5-163C 足弱き　人は居残り二十余の　人をひきつれ山に向ひぬ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 9, #35, December 23, 1949.
		S5-163C translation Leaving behind / Those with weak legs, / I lead a party of some twenty / Persons, heading / Up the mountain.
14	足曳きの　闇の山路を勇ましく　提灯の灯を頼りに登るも
	Boldly we climb, Guided by the light of The lanterns, the Dark, tortuous Mountain path.	#14, S2-36D; S5-163D 足曳きの　山路の闇をかきわけて　提灯の灯をたよりに登りぬ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 9, #36, December 23, 1949; previous S5-163D translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 158.
		S5-163D translation Ever deepens night / At the Zen temple / As deepens / Our discussion / With no end in sight.
		The Light from the East translation Along the winding trail / On the pitch-black mountain path, / We all made our way / With the light of our lanterns / To guide us on our ascent.

15	漸くに　乾坤山の巓に　登ればほのぼのあたり見え初む
	Finally, as we ascend the Summit of Mount Heaven and Earth, The area starts to Faintly appear around us.	#15, S2-36E; S5-163E 漸くに　乾坤山の巓に　登ればほのぼの物の見え初む In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 9, #37, December 23, 1949.
		S5-163E translation Finally, as we ascend the / Summit of Mount / Heaven and Earth, / Objects start to / Faintly appear around us.

16	東の　山の端の影茜さし　棚引く雲の金の色かな
	As crimson shines on the Edge of the mountains In the east, The trailing clouds Are such a gold color!	#16, S2-37A; S5-164A 東の　空山影のきくやかに　曲線ひきて海につづける In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 9, #38, December 23, 1949.
		S5-164A translation From the eastern sky / The light beams / Over the mountains and / Continue over the sea / Describing a curve.

17	朝霧の　はれゆくまゝに遠近の　海山見えて清しかりける
	How refreshing, As the morning mist Clears, near and far Mountain and sea Come into view.	#17, S2-37B; S5-164B 朝霧の　はれゆくままに遠近の　海も見え初め山も浮みぬ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 9, #39, December 23, 1949.
		S5-164B translation How refreshing, / As the morning mist clears, / Near and far, the ocean / Starts to become visible and the / Mountains float on the clouds.

18	房総の　眠れる島山はるかにて　身は天空にある思ひすも
	Far in the distance, the Sleeping mountain islands of Boso make me feel I am floating In the sky overhead.	#18, S2-37C; S5-164C 房総の　眠れる島も山並も　あざやかにしつ日は昇りけり In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 10, #40, December 23, 1949.
		S5-164C translation The sleeping islands and / Range of mountains / Of Boso shine / Clearly against / The rising sun.

19	雲いづる　天津日光を拝みて　一行謹しみ祝詞奏しぬ
	The clouds depart and Paying homage to The rays of the holy Rising sun, the Party recites a prayer.	#19, S2-37D.

20	旭の陽の　昇るがまゝに浦々の　小さき家並眼に入りてけり
	As the morning Sun rises In the distance, Rows of houses Enter my vision.	#20, S2-37E.

21	山頂は　十州一覧台とかや　実にも其名のふさはしきかな
	The mountain summit Is called “Ten Province Lookout” and Truly fitting Is that name.	#21, S2-38A; S5-164D 山頂は　十州一覧台とかや　実にもその名のふさわしかりぬ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 10, #41, December 23, 1949.

22	連山は　重畳として濃く淡く　朝霧に浮く眺め美はし
	Beautiful is the view Of the mountain range On which floats In layers thickly and Thinly the morning mist.	#22, S2-38B.

23	観音崎　灯台の灯は朝霧の　たちこむ中に明滅なし居り
	The beams of the Lighthouse at Kannon Point Flicker admist The thick morning mist.	#23, S2-38C; S5-164E 灯台の　灯は朝靄のたちこむる　底にかそけく明滅なせり In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 10, #42, December 23, 1949.
		S5-164E translation The beams of the / Lighthouse faintly / Flicker down below / In the thick / Morning mist.

24	箱庭の　景色見る如海の面の　島かげ点々片舟の見ゆ
	As if viewing the scenery Of a miniature garden, Little skiffs dot the surface of The ocean on which the vague Outline of the islands appear.	#24, S2-38D; S5-165A 水墨の　絵を見るが如海の面の　島かげはるか小舟もやえる In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 10, #43, December 23, 1949.
		S5-165A translation As if viewing a monochrome / Painting, the faint outline / Of the island on the surface / Of the sea, appears with / Small boats moored together.

25	昇る陽に　あたり全く明けぬれば　一行下山の途にぞつきけり
	As the rising sun Brightens the area ever more The party arrives at The path to start the Descent of the mountain.	#25, S2-38E; S5-165B 昇る陽に　あたり隈なく明けぬれば　一行下山の途につきにけり In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 10, #44, December 23, 1949.
		S5-165B translation As the rising sun brightens / Every corner of the area / The party arrives at / The path to start the / Descent of the mountain.

26	山間の　岩窟の中に石造の　羅漢の像の数多立ち居り
	In the ravines of The mountain Stand many Stone statues Of arhats.	#26, S2-39A; S5-165C 山間の　岩窟の中に畏くも　羅漢の像の数かず立てる In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 11, #45, December 23, 1949.
		S5-165C translation In the ravines of / The mountain / Augustly stand / Numerous statues / Of arhats.

27	心なき　人の多きも立ち並ぶ　羅漢の半数首の無きかな
	Like the many heartless People of the world, Half the number of Arhats have No heads.	#27, S2-39B.

28	百体の　石造観音釈尊や　達磨の像に諸菩薩在るすも
	Among the hundreds of Stone statues of Kannon, Sakyamuni, and Bodhidarma, Are also those of All the Boddhisattvas.	#28, S2-39C; S5-165D 百あまる　石の観音釈迦如来　達磨や諸仏在します山 In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 11, #46, December 23, 1949.
		S5-165D translation The mountain that has / More than a hundred / Stone Kannons, Shaka / Thathagatas, Boddhidharmas, / And all the buddhas.

29	沙羅双樹　はじめもろもろ珍木の　生ひ茂るなり乾坤の山
	Along with the sala All kinds of unusual Varieties of trees Grow luxuriantly on Mount Heaven and Earth.	#29, S2-39D; S5-165E 沙羅双樹　はじめもも木の生ひ茂み　海圍むなり乾坤の山 In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 11, #47, December 23, 1949.
		S5-165E translation Along with the sala / All kinds of trees / Luxuriantly grow / Surrounded by the sea on / Mount Heaven and Earth.

30	開山の　行基菩薩の刻むとふ　薬師如来の木像ありけり
	There was a wooden Statue of the Tathagata Buddha of Healing Carved by the Temple’s founder Gyogi.	#30, S2-39E; S5-166A 開山の　行基菩薩の刻むとふ　薬師如来の御姿とほとき In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 11, #48, December 23, 1949.
		S5-166A translation Precious the appearance / Of the Tathagata / Buddha of Healing / Carved by the / Temple’s founder Gyogi.

31	畏くも　光明皇后の勅に　行基の開きし日の本の寺
	Based on decree by The august Empress Bright Light, Priest Gyoki Founded the Temple of The origin of the sun.	#31, S2-40A; S5-166B そのむかし　光明皇后の勅に　行基菩薩のひらかれし刹 In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 11, #49, December 23, 1949.
		S5-166B translation The temple founded / By Priest Gyoki, based / On decree by the / August Empress Bright / Light long, long ago.

32	十一面　観音の尊像は其昔　慈覚大師の刻みしものとか
	It is said that the sacred Statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon Was carved by The Great Master Compassionate Awakening.	#32, S2-40B; S5-166C 十一面　観音ませり古きころ　慈覚大師の刻みしものとう In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 12, #50, December 23, 1949.
		S5-166C translation It was said that, in old / Times, the Eleven-faced / Kannon was carved by / The Great Master / Compassionate Awakening.

33	山寺の　田舎料理の朝飯は　都の珍味佳肴に勝れり
	The country cuisine of The breakfast at the Mountain temple Surpasses any rare, delicious Tidbit from the city.	#33, S2-40C; S5-166D 山寺の　田舎料理に舌打ちし　この味こそは忘れがたなき In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 12, #51, December 23, 1949.
		S5-166D translation The mountain temple’s / Country cooking didn’t / Look like much, but / Its taste was simply / Unforgettable.

34	本堂を　背景にして一行は　紀念の為と写真撮りけり
	Against the backdrop of The main temple hall, A commemorative photograph Of the group was Was taken.	#34, S2-40D.

35	眺めよき　位置を撰びて建てられし　呑海楼と其庭に遊べり
	Drink-Sea-Pavillion, Chosen and built for the Location of its good view, We rest and relax In the garden.	#35, S2-40E; S5-166E 眺めよき　海辺選びて建てられし　呑海楼の庭に飽かなき In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 12, #52, December 23, 1949.
		S5-166E translation Drink-Sea-Pavillion, / Built by the sea / For its good view, / We never tire / Of the garden.

36	呑海楼の　芝生の庭に莚敷き　即席歌会を開きてたのしむ
	Spreading straw mats Over the lawn of the garden at Drink-Sea-Pavilion, We hold an impromptu Poetry party and relax.	#36, S2-41A; S5-167A 呑海楼の　芝生の庭に莚のべ　歌会などを開きてたのしむ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 12, #53, December 23, 1949.
		S5-176A translation Spreading straw mats / Over the lawn of the garden at / Drink-Sea-Pavilion, / We relax and do such things / As hold a poetry party.

37	珍らしき　亀石や奇巌怪石の　間に老松わだかまる庭
	Between the unusual Tortoise-shaped and other Strangely-formed rocks, Stretch tortuously the Branches of an old pine tree.	#37, S2-41B; S5-167B 珍らしき　亀形石や苔のむす　巌の上に老松枝はる In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 12, #54, December 23, 1949.
		S5-167B translation The branches of / An old pine tree / Stretch over the / Tortoise-shaped rock / Covered with moss.

38	呑海楼の　庭より見れば景色佳き　安房の島山指呼の中かな
	Amidst the nice scenery Viewed from the garden of Drink-Sea Pavilion The island off Awa seems As if it could be hailed.	#38, S2-41C.

39	晴れ渡る　み空の下に心ゆく　ばかり安居す山間の庭
	Under the clear sky My heart could go On forever resting In the garden between The mountain ridges.	#39, S2-41D; S5-167C 晴れ渡る　み空の下に心ゆく　ばかり遊びぬ山の上の庭 In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 13, #55, December 23, 1949.
		S5-167C translation Under the clear sky / My heart could go / On forever playing / In the garden between / The mountain ridges.

40	歌会も　終りて出発の準備なし　一行又も下山の途につく
	The poetry gathering Ends and completing Preparations, the Party starts on the path To descend the mountain.	#40, S2-41E.

41	保田駅ゆ　那古舟形の駅に着き　一行相川旅館に入りけり
	Arriving at Hota Station With its distinctive roof In the shape of a boat, The party checks Into the Aikawa Inn.	#41, S2-42A.

42	那古観音へ　賽し終りて舟形の　観音さして三三五々行く
	After making an offering At Nago Kannon, We stroll in small Groups around the Boat-shaped Kannon.	#42, S2-42B; S5-167D 那古観音へ　賽したどりし舟形の　観音堂の舟色美きかも In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 13, #56, December 23, 1949.
		S5-167D translation We made an offering / At Nago Kannon, whose / Building has such a / Beautifully red-colored, / Boat-shaped roof.

43	数丈の　崕の上危く赤塗りの　御堂荘厳に建ちて在りけり
	Several yards high atop a Dangerous precipice Solemnly stands the Sacred Hall Painted in red.	#43, S2-42C; S5-167E そそり立つ　崕上危ふく観音の　御堂の建てり海ながめよき In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 13, #57, December 23, 1949.
		S5-167E translation Dangerously perched / High atop the towering / Precipice is built the / Kannon Hall with a / Beautiful view of the sea.

44	舟形の　崕の観音堂内に　入れば絶佳の景色眼に入る
	Entering the Kannon Hall on the Boat-shaped precipice, The most beautiful scenery Comes to our eyes.	#44, S2-42D.

45	景勝の　位置を占めたる舟形の　観音堂の眺め珍し
	How unusual is The view from the Kannon Hall, a boat- Shaped roof set amidst Picturesque scenery.	#45, S2-42E.

46	一行は　旅館に帰り昼食を　したゝめ帰京の汽車に入りけり
	The party returns To the inn, takes Lunch, and so Boards the train For return to Tokyo.	#46, S2-43A.

47	初夏の田に　田人忙しく苗植ゑる　中を上りの汽車走り行く
	Directly through the Paddies of early summer Where the farmers busily Plant seedlings runs The inbound train.	#47, S2-43B; S5-168A 初夏の　青田に田人忙しき　中をわが汽車ひたに走りつ In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 13, #58, December 23, 1949.
		S5-168A translation Directly through the / Bright green paddies of / Early summer with / Busy farmers / Ran our train.

48	此あたり　枇杷の畑の遠近に　見えて早稲田の風にそよぐも
	Among the loquat fields Of this area Can be seen gentle Clouds in the winds Over the early rice paddies.	#48, S2-43C; S5-168B 遠近に　ゴーガンの絵を見るが如　枇杷の畑の陽にかがよえる In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 13, #59, December 23, 1949.
		S5-168B translation Here and there, / As can be viewed / In a painting by Gauguin, / The sunlight flickers / On the fields of loquat trees.

49	そよそよと　青渡る風吹きて　初夏心地よき汽車の旅かな
	Gently blows The wind over the green, Pleasant is the Feel of the journey by Train in early summer.	#49, S2-43D; S5-168C そよそよと　青田を渡る風うけて　心地よきかも初夏の旅 In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 14, #60, December 23, 1949.
		S5-168C translation Feeling the wind / Blowing gently / Over the green rice paddies, / So pleasant is / A journey in early summer!

50	恵まれし　旅にてありき快晴の　空風薫る此二日なりしも
	These two days Were a journey Quite blessed with Skies and breezes Full of beautiful weather.	#50, S2-43E..

51	風薫る　青葉の山に安房の海　眺めし旅の忘れがたしも
	Difficult it is to forget the Views during the journey Of the sea of Awa, with Breezes full of the scent of the Fresh verdure of the mountains.	#51, S2-44A, Rough composition made at a non-scheduled meeting of the Zuiko Society at Drink-Sea-Pavillion in Nihon-ji Temple titled “Journey to Awa” June 15, 1931, in Zuikô, Volume 1, Issue 2, July 1, 1931; S5-168D 風薫る　青葉の山に安房の海　眺めし旅の忘れがたきも In a set of poems titled “A Poetic Account of a Journey to Awa” in Landscapes, page 14, #61, December 23, 1949; previous translation, The Light from the East, Volume 1, page 159.

		The Light from the East translation In the fragrant breeze / Amid the green mountain leaves / By the Sea of Awa / We have enjoyed a scenic trip, / Which we shall never forget.