Zen Death Haiku VA Poem by Michael R. BurchZen Death Haiku V
Other haiku translations … Masaoka Shiki The autumn wind eludes me; After the fireworks, the spectators departed: how vast and dark the sky! ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch I got drunk then wept in my sleep dreaming of wild cherry blossoms. ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch We cannot see the moon and yet the waves still rise ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The first morning of autumn: the mirror I investigate reflects my father’s face ―Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I thought I felt a dewdrop plop on me as I lay in bed! ― Masaoka Shiki, loose translation/interpretation by
Michael R. Burch As thunder recedes a lone tree stands illuminated in sunlight: applauded by cicadas ― Masaoka Shiki, loose translation/interpretation by
Michael R. Burch Yosa Buson
at the same place in the sky where yesterday it floated ... ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch The pigeon's behavior is beyond reproach, but the mountain cuckoo's? ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Plowing, not a single bird sings in the mountain's shadow ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch On adjacent branches the plum tree blossoms bloom petal by petal―love! ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch The red plum's fallen petals seem to ignite horse s**t. ―Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Intruder!― This white plum tree was once outside our fence! ―Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Picking autumn plums my wrinkled hands once again grow fragrant ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch White plum blossoms― though the hour grows late, a glimpse of dawn ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch;
this is believed to be Buson's death poem and he is said to have died before
dawn The pear tree flowers whitely― a young woman reads his letter by moonlight ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch As the pear tree flowers whitely― a young woman reads his letter by moonlight ―Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch The abandoned willow shines between rains ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Dawn! The brilliant sun illuminates sardine heads. ― Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Tender grass forgetful of its roots the willow ―Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch NOTE: I believe this poem can be taken as commentary on
ungrateful children. It reminds me of Robert Hayden's "Those Winter Sundays."―MRB The dew-damp grass weeps silently in the setting sun ―Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Since I'm left here alone, I'll make friends with the harvest moon. ―Yosa Buson (1716-1783), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch Because I'm alone, I'll make friends with the moon. ―Yosa Buson (1716-1783), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch The hood-wearer in his self-created darkness fails to see the harvest moon ―Yosa Buson, loose translation/interpretation by Michael
R. Burch Even lonelier than last year: this autumn evening. ―Yosa Buson (1716-1783), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch My thoughts return to my Mother and Father: late autumn ―Yosa Buson (1716-1783), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch Late autumn: my thoughts return to my Mother and Father ―Yosa Buson (1716-1783), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch The roaring winter wind: the cataract grates on its rocks. ―Yosa Buson (1716-1783), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch Matsuo Basho have been shortened by the summer rains. ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A bee emerging from deep within the peony’s hairy recesses flies off heavily, sated ―Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch A crow has settled on a naked branch autumn nightfall ―Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch A solitary crow clings to a leafless branch: autumn twilight ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), loose translation/interpretation
by Michael R. Burch A solitary crow clings to a leafless branch: phantom autumn ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A raven settles on a leafless branch: autumn nightfall ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A crow roosts on a leafless branch: autumn nightmare ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch NOTE: There has been a debate about the meaning of
*aki-no kure*, which may mean one of the following: autumn evening, autumn
dusk, the end of autumn. Or it seems possible that Basho may have intentionally
invoked the ideas of both the end of an autumn day and the end of the season as
well. In my translations I have tried to create an image of solitary crow
clinging to a branch that seems like a harbinger of approaching winter and
death. In the first translation I went with the least light possible: autumn
twilight. In the second translation, I attempted something more ghostly.
Phrases I considered include: spectral autumn, skeletal autumn, autumnal
skeleton, phantom autumn, autumn nocturne, autumn nightfall, autumn nightmare,
dismal autumn. In the third and fourth translations I focused on the color of
the bird and its resemblance to night falling. While literalists will no doubt
object, my goal is to create an image and a feeling that convey in English what
I take Basho to have been trying to convey in Japanese. Readers will have to
decide whether they prefer my translations to the many others that exist, but
mine are trying to convey the eeriness of the scene in English. Winter solitude: a world awash in white, the sound of the wind ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sick of its autumn migration my spirit drifts over wilted fields ... ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), said to be his death poem,
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sick of this autumn migration in dreams I drift over flowerless fields ... ―Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), said to be his death poem,
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch NOTE: While literalists will no doubt object to
"flowerless" in the translation above ― along with other word choices
in my other translations ― this is my preferred version. I think Basho's
meaning still comes through. But "wilted" is probably closer to what
he meant. If only we could consult him, to ask whether he preferred strictly
literal prose translations of his poems, or more poetic interpretations! My
guess is that most poets would prefer for their poems to remain poetry in the
second language. In my opinion the differences are minor and astute readers
will grok both Basho's meaning and his emotion. Except for a woodpecker tapping at a post, the house is silent. ―Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch hat dying cricket, how he goes on about his life! ―Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch Like a glorious shrine on these green, budding leaves, the sun’s intense radiance. ―Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch Kobayashi Issa Right at my feet! When did you arrive here, snail? ― Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by
Michael R. Burch I toss in my sleep, so watch out, cricket! ― Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by
Michael R. Burch In a better world I'd leave you my rice bowl, little fly! ― Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by
Michael R. Burch All's well with
the world: another fly's
sharing our rice! ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Cries of the wild
geese spreading rumors
about me? ― Kobayashi
Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Wake up, old
tomcat, then with
elaborate yawns and stretchings prepare to pursue
love ― Kobayashi
Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch An enormous frog! We stare at each
other, both petrified. ― Kobayashi
Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Skinny frog, hang on ... Issa to the
rescue! ― Kobayashi
Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch While a cicada sings softly a single leaf
falls ... ― Kobayashi Issa,
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The cry of a
pheasant, as if it just
noticed the mountain. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch As I stumble home
at dusk, heavy with her
eggs a spider blocks
me. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch All the while I'm
praying to Buddha I'm continually
killing mosquitoes. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch This windy nest? Open your hungry
mouth in vain, Issa, orphaned
sparrow! ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The ghostly cow
comes mooing mooing
mooing out of the morning
mist ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch If anyone comes,
child, don't open the
gate or the melons will
flee! ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch It's not at all
anxious to bloom, the plum tree at
my gate. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Our world of dew is a world of dew
indeed; and yet, and yet
... ― Kobayashi Issa,
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Full moon― my ramshackle hut is an open book. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Oh, brilliant moon can it be true that even you must rush off, late for some date? ― Kobayashi Issa,
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Oh, brilliant moon can it be true
that even you must rush off,
tardy? ― Kobayashi Issa,
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The snow melts and the village is
flooded with children! ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The orphan speaks:
the year-end party . . . I am even envious Of scolded
children ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), translator unknown Don't weep, we are
all insects! Lovers, even the
stars themselves, must eventually
part. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Buddha on the hill
. . . From your holy
nose indeed Hangs an icicle! ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), translator unknown In our world we walk suspended
over hell admiring flowers. ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Standing beneath
cherry blossoms who can be
strangers? ― Kobayashi
Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Petals I amass with such
tenderness prick me to the
quick. ― Kobayashi
Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Standing
unsteadily, I am the
scarecrow’s skinny surrogate ―Kobayashi Issa
(1763-1827), loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Autumn wind ... She always wanted to pluck the reddest roses ―Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827), loose
translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Issa wrote the haiku above after the death of his
daughter Sato with the note: “Sato, girl, 35th day, at the grave.” A pity to pluck, A pity to pass ... Ah, violet! ―Naojo, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch Silence: a single chestnut leaf sinks through clear water ... ―Shohaku, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R.
Burch New Haiku Translations, Added 10/6/2020 Air ballet: twin butterflies, twice white, meet, match & mate �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Denied transformation into a butterfly, autumn worsens for the worm �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Dusk-gliding swallow, please spare my small friends flitting among the flowers! �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Up and at ’em! The sky goes bright! Let’s hit the road again, Companion Butterfly! �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Higher than a skylark, resting on the breast of heaven: mountain pass. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Farewell, my cloud-parting friend! Wild goose migrating. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A crow settles on a leafless branch: autumn nightfall. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
An exciting struggle with such a sad ending: cormorant fishing. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Secretly, by the light of the moon, a worm bores into a chestnut. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch This strange flower investigated by butterflies and birds: the autumn sky �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Where’s the moon tonight? Like the temple bell: lost at sea. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Spring departs; birds wail; the pale eyes of fish moisten. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The moon still appears, though far from home: summer vagrant. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Cooling the pitiless sun’s bright red flames: autumn wind. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Saying farewell to others while being told farewell: departing autumn. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Traveling this road alone: autumn evening. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Thin from its journey and not yet recovered: late harvest moon. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Occasional clouds bless tired eyes with rest from moon-viewing. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The farmboy rests from husking rice to reach for the moon. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The moon aside, no one here has such a lovely face. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The moon having set, all that remains are the four corners of his desk. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The moon so bright a wandering monk carries it lightly on his shoulder. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The Festival of Souls is obscured by smoke from the crematory. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The Festival of Souls! Smoke from the crematory? �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Family reunion: those with white hair and canes visiting graves. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch One who is no more left embroidered clothes for a summer airing. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch What am I doing, writing haiku on the threshold of death? Hush, a bird’s song! �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Fallen ill on a final tour, in dreams I go roving earth’s flowerless moor. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Striken ill on a senseless tour, still in dreams I go roving earth’s withered moor. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Stricken ill on a journey, in dreams I go wandering withered moors. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Today, catching sight of the mallards crying over Lake Iware: Must I too vanish into the clouds? �"Prince Otsu (663-686), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch This world�" to what may we compare it? To autumn fields lying darkening at dusk illuminated by lightning flashes. �"Minamoto no Shitago (911-983), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch This world�"to what may we liken it? To autumn fields lit dimly at dusk, illuminated by lightning flashes. �"Minamoto no Shitago (911-983), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Like a half-exposed rotten log my life, which never flowered, ends barren. �"Minamoto Yorimasa (1104-1180), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Overtaken by darkness, I will lodge under a tree’s branches; cherry blossoms will cushion me tonight. �"Taira no Tadanori (1144�"1184), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Overtaken by darkness, I will lodge under a cherry tree’s branches; flowers alone will bower me tonight. �"Taira no Tadanori (1144�"1184), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Let me die in spring beneath the cherry blossoms while the moon is full. �"Saigyo (1118-1190), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch There is no death, as there is no life. Are not the skies cloudless And the rivers clear? �"Taiheiki Toshimoto (-1332), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
All five aspects of my fleeting human form And the four elements of existence add up to nothing: I bare my neck to the unsheathed sword And its blow is but a breath of wind ... �"Suketomo (1290-1332), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Had I not known I was already dead I might have mourned my own passing. �"Ota Dokan (1432-1486), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Both victor and vanquished are but dewdrops, but lightning bolts illuminate the world. �"�"uchi Yoshitaka (1507-1551), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Even a life of long prosperity is like a single cup of sake; my life of forty-nine years flashed by like a dream. Nor do I know what life is, nor death. All the years combined were but a fleeting dream. Now I step beyond both Heaven and Hell To stand alone in the moonlit dawn, Free from the mists of attachment. �"Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch My life appeared like dew and disappears like dew. All Naniwa was a series of dreams. �"Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Felt deeply in my heart: How beautiful the snow, Clouds gathering in the west. �"Issho (-1668), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Brittle cicada shell, little did I know that you were my life! �"Shoshun (-1672), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Inhale, exhale. Forward, reverse. Live, die. Let arrows fly, meet midway and sever the void in aimless flight: Thus I return to the Source. �"Gesshu Soko (-1696), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem)by Michael R. Burch My body? Pointless as the tree’s last persimmon. �"Seisa (-1722), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Farewell! I pass away as all things do: dew drying on grass. �"Banzan (-1730), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Seventy-one? How long can a dewdrop last? �"Kigen (-1736), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch This world? Moonlit dew flicked from a crane's bill. �"Eihei Dogen Kigen, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch To what shall we compare this world? To moonlit dew flicked from a crane's bill. �"Eihei Dogen Kigen, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Dewdrops beading grass-blades die before dawn; may an untimely wind not hasten their departure! �"Eihei Dogen Kigen, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Dewdrops beading blades of grass have so little time to shine before dawn; let the autumn wind not rush too quickly through the field! �"Eihei Dogen Kigen, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Outside my window the plums, blossoming, within their curled buds, contain the spring; the moon is reflected in the cup-like whorls of the lovely flowers I gather and twirl. �"Eihei Dogen Kigen, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Unaware it protects the hilltop paddies, the scarecrow seems useless to itself. �"Eihei Dogen Kigen, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A tempestuous sea ... Flung from the deck �" this block of ice. �"Choha (-1740), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Empty cicada shell: we return as we came, naked. �"Fukaku (-1753), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Since I was born, I must die, and so … �"Kisei (1688-1764), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Let us arise and go, following the path of the clear dew. �"Fojo (-1764), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Depths of the cold, unfathomable ocean’s roar. �"Kasenjo (-1776), loose translation/interpretation of her jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Things never stand still, not even for a second: consider the trees’ colors. �"Seiju (-1776), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Lately the nights dawn plum-blossom white. �"Yosa Buson (-1783), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Bitter winter winds! But later, river willow, reopen your buds ... �"Senryu (-1790), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Who cares where aimless clouds are drifting? �"Bufu (-1792), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch What does it matter how long I live, when a tortoise lives many times as long? �"Issa (-1827), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Like a lotus leaf’s evaporating dew, I vanish. �"Senryu (-1827), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Man’s end: this mound of albescent bones, this brief flowering sure to fade ... �"Hamei (-1837), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
When I kick the bucket, bury me beneath a tavern’s cellar wine barrel; with a little luck the cask will leak. �"Moriya Sen’an (-1838), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Frost on a balmy day: all I leave is the water that washed my brush. �"Tanaka Shutei (1810-1858, loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Though moss may overgrow my useless corpse, the seeds of patriotism shall never decay. �"Nomura Boto (1806-1867), loose translation/interpretation of her jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
My aging body: a drop of dew bulging at the leaf-cliff. �"Kiba (-1868), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Forbearing the night with its growing brilliance: the summer moon. �"Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Blow if you must, autumn wind, but the flowers have already faded. �"Gansan (-1895), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Time to go ... They say this journey is a long trek: this final change of robes. �"Roshu (-1899), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
The moon departs; frost paralyzes the morning glories. �" Kato (-1908), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch
Stumble, tumble, fall, slide down the slippery snow slope. �" Getsurei (-1919), loose translation/interpretation of his jisei (death poem) by Michael R. Burch Above the garden the camellia tree blossoms whitely... �"Uejima Onitsura (1660-1738) , explaining the essence of haiku, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Moonlit hailstones: the night hawks return. �"Uejima Onitsura (1660-1738) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Nowhere to dump the dishwater: cricket cacophony. �"Uejima Onitsura (1660-1738) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A good father drives away crows from his sparrow-like children. �"Uejima Onitsura (1660-1738) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A cool breeze: the empty sky fills with the songs of the pines. �"Uejima Onitsura (1660-1738) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Return my dream, raven! You woke me to a misted-over unreadable moon �"Uejima Onitsura (1660-1738) , said to be his death poem, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Tears are useless: insects, lovers, the stars themselves must part. �"Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Sparrow-like children, make way, make way! The stallion's coming through! �"Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch No one travels this path but me, this moonless autumn evening. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita wrote this poem on December 4,1941, while sailing for Hainan to invade Malaya. Now, as the sun and moon shine as one, the arrow, hurtling from the bow, speeds my spirit toward the enemy, bearing also a hundred million souls �"my people of the East�" as the sun and moon shine as one. �"Tomoyuki Yamashita, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Bonfires for the dead? Soon they'll light pyres for us, instead. �"Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Children delight in bonfires for the dead; soon they'll light pyres for us, instead. �"Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Cries of the wild geese�" spreading rumors about me? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Wake up, old tomcat, then with elaborate yawns and stretchings prepare to pursue love Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch This windy nest? Open your hungry mouth in vain, Issa, orphaned sparrow! Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The ghostly cow comes mooing mooing mooing out of the morning mist Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Full moon�" my ramshackle hut is an open book. Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The snow melts the rivers rise and the village is flooded with children! Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Don't weep, we are all insects! Lovers, even the stars themselves, must eventually part. Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) , loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Peonies blossom; the world is full of fibbers. Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Peonies blossom; the world is full of blooming liars. Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Overdressed for my thatched hut: a peony blossoms. Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Oh, magnificent peony, please don't disdain these poor surroundings! Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Insolent peony! Demanding I measure your span with my fan? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 'This big! ' The child's arms measured the peony. Kobayashi Issa, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Issa seemed to have a love-hate relationship with the peony, writing at least 84 haiku about the flower, sometimes praising it and sometimes accusing it of haughtiness and insolence! The rutting cat has grown so scrawny he's nothing but eyes. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Clinging to each other beneath an umbrella: spring rain. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Twos become one: butterflies. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch No rain and yet the flowers glisten? Dew. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Buzzings encircle a meditating monk: mosquitoes. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch He's lost so much weight in the summer heat even the mosquitoes won't bite. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Autumn's here, crickets, whether you chirp or not. �"Natsume Soseki, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch A windy temple: coins clatter in the collection box. �"Shuson Kato, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch After death six feet under the frost will be sufficient cover. �"Shuson Kato, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Midwinter thunder rattles the windowpanes. �"Shuson Kato, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch PLUM BLOSSOM HAIKU A shy maiden: the loveliness of the lone plum blossoming �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Longing for plum blossoms: bowing before the deutzia, weeping. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Moonlit plum tree, tarry! Spring will return soon. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The plum blossom’s fragrance warms winter’s frigid embrace. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch White plum blossoms: have the cranes gone undercover? �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Suddenly, the scent of plums on a mountain path: sunrise! �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Warm sun unfolds the plum blossom’s scent: a mountain path. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The plum in full bloom must not be disturbed by the wind. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The plum's fragrance: the past holds such pathos. �"Matsuo Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Are you the butterfly and I the dreaming heart of Soshi? �"Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch kimi ya cho / ware ya shoshi no / yume gokoro The poem above is a reference to a butterfly dream of Chuang Tzu, a Taoist sage and poet who was a major influence on Basho. Soshi is the Japanese rendering of the name Chuang Tzu. I believe what Basho may have meant is something closer to this: Are you the butterfly while I pursue dreams of Soshi? �"Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Are you the butterfly while in my dreams I flit after Soshi? �"Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The white poppy accepts the butterfly's broken wing as a keepsake �"Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch shirageshi ni / hane mogu cho no / katami kana As autumn deepens a butterfly sips chrysanthemum dew �"Basho, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch aki o hete / cho mo nameru ya / kiku no tsuyu A single leaf of paulownia falling reflects the sun. �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I caught a falling cherry petal; but opening my fist ... nothing �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch They call it a white peony yet it contains hints of red �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Evening shadows grow thick on the floating algae �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The snake slithered away yet his eyes, having met mine, remain �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch The bamboo grove is lit by the yellow spring sunlight �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Chikurin ni/ Ki naru haruhi wo/ Aogikeri On a hot summer night dreams and reality merge. �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Mizika-yo ya/ Yume mo utsutsu mo / Onazi koto The summer butterfly has to look sharp to make its getaway. �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Natsu no cho/ Manako surudoku/ Kakeri kishi The autumn sky is severed by the big chinquapin tree. �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Akizora wo/ Futatsu ni tateri/ Shii-taiju “Cawa-cawa!” The winter crow elocutes coarsely. �"Takahama Kyoshi, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Kawa kawa to/ Ookiku yuruku/ Samu-garasu Original Haiku Original Haiku and Tanka by Michael R. Burch These are original haiku and tanka written by Michael R. Burch, along with haiku-like and tanka-like poems inspired by the forms but not necessarily abiding by all the rules. Dark-bosomed clouds pregnant with heavy thunder... the water breaks ―Michael R. Burch The poem above is my favorite of my original haiku. I wrote it while working on translations of haiku by the Oriental masters. Here's another one I particularly like: one pillow... our dreams merge ―Michael R. Burch
The Original Sin: Rhyming Haiku!
Haiku should never rhyme: it's a crime! ―Michael R. Burch
The herons stand, sentry-like, at attention... rigid observers of some unknown command. ―Michael R. Burch
Late fall; all the golden leaves turn black underfoot: soot ―Michael R. Burch
A snake in the grass lies, hissing "Trespass! " ―Michael R. Burch
Honeysuckle blesses my knuckle with affectionate dew ―Michael R. Burch
My nose nuzzles honeysuckle's sweet nothings ―Michael R. Burch
The day's eyes were blue until you appeared and they wept at your beauty. ―Michael R. Burch
The moon in decline like my lover's heart lies far beyond mine ―Michael R. Burch
My mother's eyes acknowledging my imperfection: dejection ―Michael R. Burch The sun sets the moon fails to rise we avoid each other's eyes ―Michael R. Burch There are more rhyming haiku later on this page... Iffy Coronavirus Haiku yet another iffy coronavirus haiku #1 by Michael R. Burch
plagued by the Plague i plague the goldfish with my verse
yet another iffy coronavirus haiku #2 by Michael R. Burch
sunflowers hang their heads embarrassed by their coronas
I wrote the poem above after having a sunflower arrangement delivered to my mother, who is in an assisted living center and can't have visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic. I have been informed the poem breaks haiku rules about personification, etc.
Homework (yet another iffy coronavirus haiku #3) by Michael R. Burch
Dim bulb overhead, my silent companion: still imitating the noonday sun? yet another iffy coronavirus haiku #4 by Michael R. Burch Spring fling― children string flowers into their face masks
New World Order (last in a series and perhaps a species) by Michael R. Burch
The days of the dandelions dawn... soon man will be gone: fertilizer. Untitled Haiku Dark-bosomed clouds pregnant with heavy thunder... the water breaks ―Michael R. Burch one pillow... our dreams merge ―Michael R. Burch Crushed grapes surrender such sweetness! A mother's compassion. ―Michael R. Burch My footprints so faint in the snow? Ah yes, you lifted me. ―Michael R. Burch An emu feather still falling? So quickly you rushed to my rescue. ―Michael R. Burch The sun warms a solitary stone. Let us abandon no one. ―Michael R. Burch The eagle sees farther from its greater height― our ancestors' wisdom ―Michael R. Burch The ability to disagree agreeably― civility. ―Michael R. Burch She bathes in silver ..……. afloat …….. on her reflections ―Michael R. Burch Celebrate the New Year? The cat is not impressed, the dogs shiver. ―Michael R. Burch NOTE: Cats are seldom impressed by human accomplishments, while the canine members of our family have always hated fireworks and other unexpected loud noises. Variations on Fall
Farewells like falling leaves, so many sad goodbyes. ―Michael R. Burch Falling leaves brittle hearts whisper farewells ―Michael R. Burch
Autumn leaves soft farewells falling... falling... falling... ―Michael R. Burch
Autumn leaves Fall's farewells Whispered goodbyes ―Michael R. Burch Variations on the Seasons by Michael R. Burch Mother earth prepares her nurseries: spring greening
The trees become modest, coy behind fans
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Wobbly fawns have become the fleetest athletes: summer
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Dry leaves scuttle like crabs: autumn
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The sky shivers: snowfall
each translucent flake lighter than eiderdown
the entire town entombed but not in gloom, bedazzled.
Variations on Night
Night, ice and darkness conspire against human warmth ―Michael R. Burch Night and the Stars conspire against me: Immensity ―Michael R. Burch
in the ice-cold cathedral prayer candles ablaze flicker warmthlessly ―Michael R. Burch Variations on the Arts by Michael R. Burch Paint peeling: the novel's novelty wears off...
The autumn marigold's former glory: allegory.
Human arias? The nightingale frowns, perplexed. Tone deaf!
Where do cynics finally retire? Satire.
All the world's a stage unless it's a cage.
To write an epigram, cram. If you lack wit, scram.
Haiku should never rhyme: it's a crime!
Video dumped the b**b tube for YouTube.
Anyone can rap: just write rhythmic crap! Variations on Lingerie by Michael R. Burch Were you just a delusion? The black negligee you left now merest illusion.
The clothesline quivers, ripe with unmentionables.
The clothesline quivers: wind, or ghosts? Variations on Love and Wisdom by Michael R. Burch Wise old owls stare myopically at the moon, hooting as the hart escapes.
Myopic moon-haunted owls hoot as the hart escapes
The myopic owl, moon-intent, scowls; my rabbit heart thunders... Peace, wise fowl!
Tanka
All the wild energies of electric youth captured in the monochromes of an ancient photobooth like zigzagging lightning. ―Michael R. Burch
The plums were sweet, icy and delicious. To eat them all was perhaps malicious. But I vastly prefer your kisses! ―Michael R. Burch
A child waving... The train groans slowly away... Loneliness... Somewhere in the distance gusts scatter the stray unharvested hay... ―Michael R. Burch
How vaguely I knew you however I held you close... your heart's muffled thunder, your breath the wind― rising and dying. ―Michael R. Burch
Miscellanea
sheer green stockings queer green beer St. Patrick's Day! ―Michael R. Burch
cicadas chirping everywhere singing to beat the band― surround sound ―Michael R. Burch
Regal, upright, clad in royal purple: Zinnia ―Michael R. Burch Love is a surreal sweetness in a world where trampled grapes become wine. ―Michael R. Burch
although meant for market a pail full of strawberries invites indulgence ―Michael R. Burch late November; skeptics scoff but the geese no longer migrate ―Michael R. Burch as the butterfly hunts nectar the generous iris continues to bloom ―Michael R. Burch Childless by Michael R. Burch How can she bear her grief? Mightier than Atlas, she shoulders the weight of one fallen star. Ascendance Transcendence by Michael R. Burch Breaching the summit I reach the horizon's last rays. Sudden Shower by Michael R. Burch The day's eyes were blue until you appeared and they wept at your beauty. Imperfect Perfection by Michael R. Burch You're too perfect for words― a problem for a poet.
Autumn Conundrum by Michael R. Burch It's not that every leaf must finally fall, it's just that we can never catch them all. Laughter's Cry by Michael R. Burch Because life is a mystery, we laugh and do not know the half. Because death is a mystery, we cry when one is gone, our numbering thrown awry.
Here's a poem composed of haiku-like stanzas: Dandelion by Michael R. Burch Lift up your head dandelion, hear spring roar! How will you tidy your hair this near summer? Leave to each still night your lightest affliction, dandruff. Soon you will free yourself: one shake of your white mane.
Now there are worlds into which you appear and disappear
seemingly at will but invariably blown wildly, then still.
Gasp at the bright chill glower of winter.
Icicles splinter; sleep still an hour, till, resurrected in power,
you lift up your head, dandelion. Hear spring roar! More Rhyming Haiku Dry leaf flung awry: bright butterfly, goodbye! ―Michael R. Burch brief leaf flung awry ~ bright butterfly, goodbye! ―Michael R. Burch leaf flutters in flight ~ bright, O and endeavoring butterfly, goodbye! ―Michael R. Burch a soaring kite flits into the heart of the sun? Butterfly & Chrysanthemum ―Michael R. Burch The girl with the pallid lips lipsticks into something less comfortable ―Michael R. Burch I am a traveler going nowhere, but my how the gawking bystanders stare! ―Michael R. Burch Keywords/Tags: Haiku, Tanka, coronavirus, nature, love, heart, family, mother, son, seasons, spring, summer, fall, winter, sun, moon, rhyme, rhymed, mrbhaiku, Haiku, Zen, Japan, Japanese, translation, life, death, aging, time, pain, sorrow, lament © 2023 Michael R. BurchReviews
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