A review by bluereen
One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each by Fujiwara no Teika

5.0

Short but sweet! I never knew waka was the precursor of haiku until I read this collection. Leaving some of my favorites here:

poem 41
I had hoped to keep secret
feelings that had begun to stir
within my heart,
but already rumours are rife
that I am in love with you.

poem 9
I have loved in vain
and now my beauty fades
like these cherry blossoms
paling in the long rains of spring
that I gaze upon alone.

poem 16
Though I may leave
for Mount Inaba,
whose peak is covered with pines,
if I hear that you pine for me,
I will come straight home to you.

poem 54
You promise you'll never forget,
but to the end of time
is too long to ask.
So let me die today.
still loved by you.

poem 99
Though it is futile to ponder
the ways of the world,
I am lost in desolate musing
I have loved some and hated others,
even hated the ones I love.