Illustrated Basho Haikus: 2011

Friday, September 16, 2011

Not one traveler
walking this deserted road
on an autumn night.

* * *

Harvest moon flowers
are only an illusion;
it's a cotton field.

* * *

Morning and evening
she waits at Matsushima:
it's one-sided love.

* * *

This ruined temple:
a sad tale best told only
by a clam digger.

* * *

In bright summer moon,
and with softly clapping hands,
I herald the dawn.

* * *

An old cherry tree
shows blooms with buds and flowers,
mindful of its youth.

* * *

As moonlight slants through
the vast bamboo grove;
a cuckoo is heard.

* * *

Orchid is breathing
its pungent incense into
a butterfly's wings.

* * *

summer in the world
floating on little waves
of shimmering lake

* * *

In my new clothing
I feel so different, must
look like someone else.

* * *

The temple bell stops.
But the sound keeps coming
out of the flowers.

* * *

I feel quite at home,
sleeping lazily right here
in this outdoor air.

* * *

The dragonfly tries,
try as it might, but can't land
on that blade of grass.

* * *

The air remains still.
All the leaves refuse to budge.
Beautiful summer!

* * *