Kokinshu Book Ia: Spring 1 (1-48)

As I've mentioned before and no doubt will again, because I'm forgetful like that, the Kokin(waka)shu, "Collection of Old and New (Japanese Poems)," was the first imperially commissioned anthology of poetry written in Japanese, 1111 or so poems compiled in 20 thematic books around 905 C.E. At the risk of trying your patience, below the fold is the first book complete, 68 poems depicting the progression of spring from New Year's Day into cherry blossom season.

The bulk of these translation were drafted from September through November 2010, though fiddled with since, especially as I got better at unpacking those puzzle boxes that are classical verbs. For the earliest ones in particular, the versions previously posted here and in my poetry journal (aka prettygoodpoet) have been more frequently revised/corrected. ( For the curious, I can list my reference materials, but probably )

it's better to ignore my commentary and read straight through just the poems, with their varied and various topics linked by progression and association. There are reasons why the anthology influenced a millenium of Japanese culture.


( More than the color / I find that it's the fragrance / that moves me the most. )

Continued in a second scroll, because LJ insists it doesn't have an intar-tube large enough for just one.

(Index for this series)

---L.