Hyakunin Isshu: Meet the Poets
Teishinkō

Meaning

O maple leaves of Ogura Mountain, if you have a heart — hold on a little longer, until the emperor's visit.

Commentary

This poem was composed when the Retired Emperor Uda, deeply moved by the autumn foliage of Ogura Mountain, expressed a wish to show the beautiful scenery to his son, Emperor Daigo. The poet, who was in the royal retinue, responded by putting his lord's wish into verse.

It is in this graceful act of transforming another's heartfelt longing into poetry that we can glimpse the author's remarkable sensitivity.

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