Meet the Poets of Hyakunin Isshu
Emperor Kōkō

Meaning

Going out into the spring fields to pick young greens for you — the snow falls on my sleeves.

Commentary

In the Heian period there was a custom at the New Year of going out to pick young herbs — the first shoots of spring — a practice known as wakana-tsumi.

This poem was composed when Emperor Kōkō was still a prince. It is said he attached the poem to a gift of young herbs, though to whom it was sent remains unknown. The phrase "for your sake" (kimi ga tame) expresses a wish for the recipient's health and happiness.

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