This is one of the poems Tsurayuki quoted in his preface to the Kokinshu, after saying that Narihira "has too much feeling, too few words. His poems are like withered flowers, faded but with a lingering fragrance."

I've read commentary that suggests that the "feeling" refers to Narihira's frequent questions, tentative forms, and incomplete sentences. I don't know the technical issues involved, but I'm a little dubious.

And yes, about Narihira's reversing our expectations. Impressive, in such a small space.

---L.