I gave one sen at Inari's shrine
in the alley over there.
I gave one sen to the guardian fox
and I prayed the proper prayer.

Then down I sat at Osen's place
and Osen served my tea,
tea so dark when set beside you
good it looks to me.

Is this a dumpling made of rice
or a dumpling made of earth?
Dumpling, dumpling, dumpling,
Tell me what you're worth.

Shall I give this dumpling to a cat?
Shall I give it to a pup?
Ah, in the end a kite flew down
and snatched the dumpling up.