Ukon

Who is Ukon?

Ukon — Japanese poetess of Heian period. She was also a lady-in-waiting of Onshi.

She belonged to the Fujiwara clan. Her father was Fujiwara no Su'e nawa, the right lesser captain.

She had been active as a great poetess for 30 years. In 933 she composed the poem for the coming-of-age celebration of Princess Koshi. In 960 she took part in the poetry contest of the court. In 962 she took part in the poetry contest of the court. In 966 she took part in the poetry contest held at the garden of the court. She exchanged poems with Prince Motoyoshi, Fujiwara no Atsutada, Fujiwara no Morosuke, Fujiwara no Morouji, Fujiwara no Asatada and Minamoto no Shitagō. Her name was included into the list of Thirty-six Female Poetry Immortals.

Her poems are included into the anthologies Hyakunin Isshu, Gosen Wakashū etc.

Here is the poem No.38 from Hyakunin Isshu:

38. Ukon

Wasuraruru

Mi woba omowazu

Chikahite-shi

Hito no inochi no

Oshiku mo aru kana.

MY broken heart I don't lament,

To destiny I bow;

But thou hast broken solemn oaths,—

I pray the Gods may now

Absolve thee from thy vow.

tr. by William N. Porter, 1909