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late Heian – Kamakura period · 1139?–1202Priest Jakuren

寂蓮法師(じゃくれんほうし)

A late twelfth-century poet, nephew and adopted son of Fujiwara no Shunzei. After the birth of Shunzei's own son Teika he stepped aside from the succession and became a monk around 1172, traveling the provinces while remaining active in poetry contests. He was appointed one of the compilers of the Shin Kokinshū but died before its completion. His work exemplifies the anthology's ideal of suggestive depth, and he was also a noted calligrapher. About 120 of his poems are in imperial anthologies. His Hyakunin Isshu poem, on mist rising from cedars after a passing shower, is among the most admired autumn evening poems in the language.

Poems by Priest Jakuren

1 poem

Hyakunin Isshu No. 87 Shin Kokin Wakashū

村雨の 露もまだひぬ 槇の葉に
霧立ちのぼる 秋の夕暮れ

The dew of a passing shower has not yet dried on the leaves of the black pines, and already the mist is rising — an autumn dusk.

Hyakunin IsshuShin Kokin WakashūAutumnLonelinessA mountain of black pines at autumn dusk

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