When I Eat Melons Poem by Yamanoue no Okura

This waka, below, is one of three poems composed thinking fondly of his son, Furuhi: 若ければ道行き知らじ賄はせむ黄泉の使負ひて通らせ wakakereba miti yuki siradi mapi pa semu sitape nö tukapi opite töporase As he was so young He will not know the way; Take this gift, Messenger of the realm below And bear him on your back. Yamanoue no Okura in MAN'YŌSHŪ - MYS V: 905

Lovely piece of poetry, well articulated and nicely penned from heart with conviction. A good depiction of strong parental love bristling with insight. Thanks for sharing Okura. Please read my poem MANDELA - THE IMMORTAL ICON.

When I eat melons My children come to my mind; When I eat chestnuts The longing is even worse. Where do they come from, Flickering before my eyes, Making me helpless Endlessly night after night. Not letting me sleep in peace? ______________________ Here is my Italian translation: Quando mangio meloni Mi viene da pensare ai miei figli; Quando mangio castagne Il desiderio di vederli è anche più forte. Da dove vengono le loro immagini, Tremolanti davanti ai miei occhi, Che mi rendono disorientato Senza sosta, notte dopo notte, E non mi fanno dormire in pace?