Kotai Gogu no Daibu Shunzei

The images in the poem, and Shunsho's pose of the poet, are both echoed from Sarumaru Dayu, whose print you received in last year's set. The sad mood, the voice of the deer, 'deep among the hills', the quiescent pose with hands clasped in front .... these are all common to both. The image is one of complete despair and gloom.

But I wonder, as I read some biographical material on this man, just how gloomy his life really was. There seems to be quite a list of achievements - he rose to a high rank in the priesthood. He was a tutor to Court notables - teaching them, among other things, poetry. At age 52 he had a son, not in itself a particulary difficult achievement, but this son would also turn out to be a good poet, and in fact would put together this very 'Hyakunin Isshu' collection, some years later. His final achievement is one that I myself would like to emulate (or top). He reached his 91st year, and considering the average life expectancy back then, that seems quite some achievement.

I hope you don't share his poetical philosophy, and that you remain able to enjoy this print. Next month, the last in this year's set of 10 - Sangi Hitoshi.

Translation - Tom Galt 1982 Princeton University Press