Kokinsh

Also Collection of Ancient and Modern Poems

The first collection of Japanese poetry compiled by Imperial order
Completed in 905
Contains 1,111 poems
Almost all are waka
Became the model of Waka for 1000 years
And so is one of the most highly respected works in Japanese literature

The preface by Ki no Tsurayuki characterizes what inspires the poetry within:

Of the poets:
When they looked at the scattered blossoms of a spring morning; when they
listened of an autumn evening to the falling of the leaves; when they sighed over the
snow and waves reflected with each passing year by their looking glasses; when
they were startled into thoughts on the brevity of life by seeing the dew on the grass
or the foam on the water; when, yesterday all proud and splendid, they have fallen
from fortune into loneliness; or when, having been dearly loved, are neglected.

These are the subjects that inspire the poetry within.


Tagitsu se no They say there is
Naka ni mo yodo wa A still pool even in the middle of
Ari ch wo The rushing whirlpool
Nado waga koi no Why is there none in the whirlpool
Fuchise to mo naki of my love?
Anonymous


Yo no naka wa Can this world
Mukashi yori yaw a From of old
Ukarikemu Always have been so sad,
Waga mi hitotsu no Or did it become so for the sake
Tame ni nareru ka Of me alone?
Anonymous


Wabinureba So lonely am I
Mi wo ukigusa no My body is a floating weed
Ne wo taete Severed at the roots.
Sasou miza araba Were there water to entice me,
Inamu to zo omou I would follow it, I think.
Ono no Komachi






Hana no iro wa The flowers withered,
Utsurinikeri na Their color faded away,
Itazura ni While meaninglessly
Wag a mi yo ni furu I spent my days on the world
Nagame seshi ma ni And the long rains were falling.
Ono no Komachi

Haiku

Ch tori no To bird and butterfly
Shiranu hana ari it is unknown, this flower here:
Aki no sora the autumn sky.
Bash


Meigetsu ya Bright the full moon shines:
Tatami no ue ni here upon the matted floor,
Matsu no kage shadows of the pines.
Enomoto Kikaku (1661-1707)


Harusame ni As the spring rains fall,
Nuretsutsu yane no soaking in them, on the roof,
Temari kana is a childs rag ball.