The Onset of Spring - Yuyama Sangin Hyakuin Verses 1, 11, 12

Just as I just discovered Minase Sangin Hyakuin in a previous post, I have recently begun reading another great renga work called Yuyama Sangin Hyakuin, a 100 verse poem - each verse linked to the previous one by image or word play.  Renga linked verse poetry was very popular in Medieval Japan.

Yuyama Sangin Hyakuin was created by the three Japanese poets--Sogi, Shohaku, and Socho (1488).  After visiting Minase and creating one epic renga, their next stop was Yuyama.  They were basically on a road trip, stopping at a few temples along the way to create renga poems and party afterwards.  True story.

While passing around the sake, and observing strict "ba" rules of  renga session behavior, they penned this classic poem, considered one of their finest.

Since I haven't finished reading all of the poem's 100 verses I will share my favorite two "linked" verses so far - verse 11 and 12.  I also admire verse 1, the all important opening verse, and share it as well.

Yuyama Sangin Verses 11 & 12	Poets: Sōgi, Shohaku, Sōchō
English	Japanese
Even in my remote village I see snow has melted away Without a trace.  (Sōchō) Would that in this world as well the true path appear. (Sōgi)	furusato mo nokorazu kiyuru yuki o mite. yo ni koso michi wa aramahoshikere.

[Poem from article: Three Poets at Yuyama Sogi and Yuyana Sangin Hyakuin, 1491 by STEVEN D. CARTER]

In my own words I think the poem may be saying this: 

"After such a long, lonely Winter in this small remote village, we are delighted to find the snow melting away and revealing a path; this is a sign of the onset of Spring!  However, in life great suffering could be avoided if only a true path to happiness were so easily understood."

So Sōchō and Sōgi spun off these two verses,  the first expressing a joy felt by the onset of Spring, while the second ponders hopeless submission to a life of suffering. 

Now, the opening verse (see below) was created by Shōhaku.  He beautifully describes a scenic moment one might observe just prior to Spring as the sunshine has almost melted the ice and is already  uncovering last year's Autumn leaves.  

Opening Verse 1	Poet: Shōhaku
English translation by:	Japanese
On the mountain path the leaves lie richly colored under a thin snow.	usuyuki ni konoha irokoki yamaji kana

[From Three Poets at Yuyama Sogi and Yuyana Sangin Hyakuin, 1491 by STEVEN D. CARTER]

Do you interpret these verses the same way I did?  They are three of my favorites (today).

Please feel free to comment....