[2] More usually written nugi-kakeru, which means either "to take off and
hang up," or "to begin to take off," -- as in the above poem. More loosely,
but more effectively, the verses might thus be rendered: "Like a woman
slipping off her haori -- that is the appearance of a butterfly." One must
have seen the Japanese garment described, to appreciate the comparison. The
haori is a silk upper-dress,-- a kind of sleeved cloak,-- worn by both
sexes; but the poem suggests a woman's haori, which is usually of richer
color or material. The sleeves are wide; and the lining is usually of
brightly-colored silk, often beautifully variegated. In taking off the
haori, the brilliant lining is displayed,-- and at such an instant the
fluttering splendor might well be likened to the appearance of a butterfly
in motion.
[3] The bird-catcher's pole is smeared with bird-lime; and the verses
suggest that the insect is preventing the man from using his pole, by
persistently getting in the way of it,-- as the birds might take warning
from seeing the butterfly limed. Jama suru means "to hinder" or "prevent."
[4] Even while it is resting, the wings of the butterfly may be seen to
quiver at moments,-- as if the creature were dreaming of flight.
[5] A little poem by Basho, greatest of all Japanese composers of hokku.
The verses are intended to suggest the joyous feeling of spring-time.
[6] Literally, "a windless day;" but two negatives in Japanese poetry do
not necessarily imply an affirmative, as in English. The meaning is, that
although there is no wind, the fluttering motion of the butterflies
suggests, to the eyes at least, that a strong breeze is playing.
[7] Alluding to the Buddhist proverb: Rakkwa eda ni kaerazu; ha-kyo
futatabi terasazu ("The fallen flower returns not to the branch; the broken
mirror never again reflects.") So says the proverb -- yet it seemed to me
that I saw a fallen flower return to the branch... No: it was only a
butterfly.
[8] Alluding probably to the light fluttering motion of falling cherry-petals.