Saturday, October 29, 2011

Basho favorites

Matsuo Basho is the guy who wrote that iconic frog haiku --

an ancient pond
a frog jumps in
the splash of water

I like the way he makes the reader see very ordinary images from extraordinary perspectives. A true master.

1.
Clouds appear
and bring to men a chance to rest
from looking at the moon

2.
Orchid
breathing incense
into butterfly wings

3.
Now then, let's go out
to enjoy the snow until
I slip and fall!

4.
Another year is gone
a traveler's shade on my head,
straw sandals at my feet

5.
Won't you come and see
loneliness? Just one leaf
from the kiri tree.

6.
The moon so pure
a wandering monk carries it
across the sand

7. (Basho's swan song)
Sick on my journey, 
only my dreams will wander 
these desolate moors

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