Sanuki no Suke’s Diary: Memories of the Imperial Palace (13)

 

     As it is the end of December, the Retired Emperor orders us to prepare the celebratory meal for New Year's Day. While everyone is busy with preparations, all I can think about is how much further away the deceased becomes with the passing year.

     On New Year's Eve, as I pass by the Horikawa-in Residence on my way to the palace, Nijo-oji Street and Horikawa-dori Street are eerily quiet, completely without any sign of bustling crowds. My eyes remain fixed upon the mansion, and I even recall an old poem Tachibana Nagayasu (988–1051) composed:

Though left without answer,

Their master has gone;

Yet the faded glory of the mansion

Speaks of a loneliness far beyond words.