The spring is over and the summers are here. Which means, it is time to read out Basho’s Haikus for this season, just like we did in the spring.
Let’s start with the man himself. Matsuo Basho (1644 – 1694) was born as Matsuo Kinsako during the early Edo period in Japan. During his lifetime, Basho got recognition for his work in a poetic form that was precursor to haiku. Over the course of time, he emerged as an unparalleled master of the haiku. His work is internationally renowned, and his poems are reproduced at many historical sites in Japan. There are many translations available in various languages. Here, we are using the English translations by Gary Gauthier from his book Illustrated Basho Haiku Poems.
If you’re reading haikus for the first time, here is a simple advice that you can follow: read slowly (maybe aloud if that helps) and allow your mind to paint the picture of what that particular haiku is suggesting. That’s all. Sit back and enjoy the literary aftertaste that would stay with you for the rest of the day.
Basho’s Haikus for summer
The air remains still. All the leaves refuse to budge. Beautiful summer! *** The dragonfly tries, try as it might, but can't land on that blade of grass. *** I feel quite at home, sleeping lazily right here in this outdoor air. *** In my new clothing I feel so different, must look like someone else. *** Temple bells die out. The fragrant blossoms remain. A perfect evening! *** The cicada's cry carries no sign that foretells how soon it must die. *** Singing, planting rice. Village songs more beautiful than famous city poems. *** Orchid is breathing its pungent incense into a butterfly's wings. *** An old cherry tree shows blooms with buds and flowers, mindful of its youth. *** Behind Ise Shrine, unseen, hidden by the fence, Buddha sees nirvana. *** This ruined temple should have its sad tale only by a clam digger. *** Child of poverty: he is slowly grinding rice, gazing at the moon. *** The lightning flashes, and through the darkness breaks a night-heron's screech. *** Ah, the summer grass! The only thing left behind from warriors' dreams. *** Searching storehouse eaves rapt in plum blossom smells, the mosquito hums. *** Moonlight slants through the vast bamboo grove; a cuckoo is heard. *** In bright summer moon, and with softly clapping hands, I herald the dawn. *** With every gust, the butterfly changes place on the willow tree. *** Old, dark sleepy pool. Quick and unexpected frog jumps in. Plop! splish, splash! *** Summer in the world floating on little waves of shimmering lake. *** Watch him jump in fear, he who thinks life's not fleeting, when he sees lightning. ***
Thank you for taking time to read this. If you are keen on reading haikus, that too for every season, keep following this space. We will keep adding more of Basho’s gems as the seasons change.
Read More Haikus:
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