In this column you will find haiku of masters like Matsuo Basho, Kobayashi Issa, Yusa Buson and others to help inspire you. Look at their haiku closely and try to understand what they are doing linguistically and how that is translating to the experience we revel in after reading them.
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🐌 Overhearing Issa’s Conversations With Creatures 🌌
the weak mosquito
whines to amuse…
a cold night– Kobayashi Issa
Translation by David G. Lanoue
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🐌 Overhearing Issa’s Conversations With Creatures 🌌
happily watching
the dewdrops forming…
a frog– Kobayashi Issa
Translation by David G. Lanoue
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🏞️ Seeking Bashō Along Sumida River 🍃
not yet dead
but sleeping at journey’s end
autumn evening– Matsuo Bashō
Translation by Jane Reichhold
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🏞️ Seeking Bashō Along Sumida River 🍃
almost full moon
tonight at thirty-nine years
a child– Matsuo Bashō
Translation by Jane Reichhold
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🏞️ Seeking Bashō Along Sumida River 🍃
full moon –
thrusting against my gate
tidal crests– Matsuo Bashō
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🐌 Overhearing Issa’s Conversations With Creatures 🌌
come, firefly!
firefly, come!
drinking alone– Kobayashi Issa
Translation by David G. Lanoue
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