Hyakunin Isshu

4.

山辺赤人
田子の浦に
打ち出でてみれば
白妙の

富士の高嶺に
雪はふりつつ

Translation -

setting out on
Tago beach, I look
to see snow falling
on Fuji's lofty peak
white as mulberry cloth

Comments-

This particular poem is one of the jewels written by Akahito, who was often referred to as the saint of poetry. The most famous poet of those times was Hitomaro.

Whereas Hitomaro’s poetry was praised for its sound, Akahito’s compositions came to be associated with imagery so rich, it was as if the poems were painting scrolls, where words were powerful enough to replace images.

As mentioned in the collection from Ancient and Modern Times: 

 It was impossible for Hitomaro to excel Akahito, or for Akahito to rank below Hitomaro. 

This poem gives a picture postcard view of the snowy peak of Mt Fuji. In the 20th c. this poem was often criticized as not being realistic. After all, it is impossible to see snow falling on Mt Fuji from far away Tago Bay (and anyway, when snow falls on a mountain it is covered by such heavy clouds, that you can't even see the mountain). 

But the purpose of poetry has always been to touch hearts, as far as realism is considered, there are enough scientific books out there to satisfy one's appetite.

I find this poetry really pretty, as you read it, descending line by line, it's like painting a beautiful image in your head. It really makes me crave to visit Japan.