傘におしもどさるゝしぐれ哉
karakasa ni oshimodosaruru shigure kana
my umbrella
pushes me backwards
winter drizzle
—Shisei-jo
(trans. David LaSpina[1])
Occasionally during winter storms the wind is strong enough that it can almost push you backwards if you are holding your umbrella in front of you like a shield against the elements. Hold it the wrong way and the wind is likely to reverse the umbrella, possibly even destroy it; hold it the proper way and you have to fight to walk forward as the wind pushes you back; forgo it entirely and get all wet.
Hmm.... maybe it would be easier to just stay home and drink a warm cup of tea. Or something stronger.
That is, me! If you like this translation, feel free to use it. Just credit me. Also link here if you can. ↩