Meet the Poets of Hyakunin Isshu
Emperor Yōzei

Meaning

Just as the streams from the peak of Tsukuba flow down to fill the deep pools of the Mina River, so my love for you has gathered deep within me.

Commentary

This poem was sent by Emperor Yōzei as a proposal of love to Princess Suishi, a daughter of Emperor Kōkō.

He compares the way his love has grown little by little — like the waters of the River Mina cascading down from Mount Tsukuba and deepening into a pool — to express how his feelings have deepened over time.

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