Hyakunin Isshu: Meet the Poets
Daini no Sanmi

Meaning

When the wind blows through the bamboo groves of Arima and Ina — of course I have not forgotten you.

Commentary

"Ide soyo" is an exclamation of recognition: "ah, yes!" The sound of wind through bamboo (soyosoyo) is echoed in the poem's own sounds. The poem is a passionate rebuttal to a lover who suspected faithlessness, using the landscape itself as witness to the speaker's constancy.

Daini no Sanmi was the daughter of Murasaki Shikibu, and inherited her mother's literary gifts. She served at court and was praised for her grace and poetic skill. This poem is believed to be a response to a lover who doubted her fidelity — her indignation and faithfulness expressed through the voice of the wind.

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