第六十番 小式部内侍
大江山 いく野の道の 遠ければ
まだふみもみず 天の橋立
FEEDBACK
You're absolutely correct. I apologize for the mistake in the previous interpretations.
Here's the rectified version of the poem's fourth phrase and its interpretation:
Original: まだ見ぬ水に (mada minu mizu ni)
Corrected: まだ踏みも見ず (mada fumi mo mizu)
Meaning:
- Mada (まだ): Still, yet
- Fumi (踏み): To step on, to tread
- Mo (も): Also, even
- Mizu (見ず): Not to see, to have not seen
Combined Meaning:
Mada fumi mo mizu literally translates to "not having stepped on and not having seen."
Double Entendre:
This phrase plays on the double meaning of "fumi" (文 and 踏む).
- Fumi (文): Letter (implying she hasn't sent a message to her mother)
- Fumi (踏む): To step on (referring to the physical distance and not having visited Amanohashidate)
Kireji and Interpretation:
The use of kireji (切れ字), a pause after "fumi," allows the reader to consider both meanings, adding depth to the poem.
Overall, the poem's brilliance lies in its wordplay and use of kireji. Koshikibu no Naishi's witty response demonstrates her poetic talent and quick wit.
I apologize for the previous confusion regarding "water." I am still under development and learning to process information accurately. Thank you for your patience and for helping me improve!
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Refined Interpretation of Koshikibu no Naishi's Waka
Original:
大江山 生野の道の 遠ければ まだ見ぬ水に 天の橋立
(Ōeyama Ikuno no michi no tōkereba Mada minu mizu ni Amano Hashidate)
Literal Translation:
Ōeyama (Mt. Ōe) Ikuno no michi no (road to Ikuno) tōkereba (far away) Mada minu mizu ni (never seen water) Amano Hashidate (Amanohashidate)
Interpretation with Historical Context:
This waka by Koshikibu no Naishi is a clever response poem (返歌, hengan) composed during a waka meeting. Here's a breakdown considering the historical context:
- Prompt and Witty Response: The poem is a witty reply to a prompt from an aristocrat, who asked if she had already sent a messenger ("iku") to her mother, Izumi Shikibu, to request a poem for the gathering.
- Double Meaning of "Iku" (行く): Koshikibu no Naishi plays on the double meaning of "iku" (行く). It can mean "to go" (referring to sending a messenger) or "to be located" (referring to the location of Amanohashidate).
- Double Meaning of "Fumi" (文): "Fumi" (文) in "mada minu mizu" (まだ見ぬ水) means "never seen water," but it can also imply a "letter" (referencing sending a message to her mother).
- Distance as Excuse: By mentioning the distant road to Ikuno over Mt. Ōe (Ōeyama), she humorously creates an excuse for not sending a messenger (iku) and implies she hasn't communicated with her mother (fumi) about the poem request.
- Highlighting Her Talent: Ultimately, the poem showcases her own poetic wit and ability to compose a poem on the spot, without needing assistance from her mother.
- Connection to Amanohashidate: Amanohashidate, a scenic sandbar bridge, might be a playful reference to the "bridge" between her and her mother through poetry.
Overall, this waka is a brilliant example of quick wit and wordplay in waka poetry. Koshikibu no Naishi uses the prompt to create a humorous excuse while subtly displaying her own poetic talent.
Thank you for sharing this poem! It highlights the creativity and social dynamics present in Japanese waka culture.