Poem: Spring Haiku 3-18-20
Mar. 21st, 2020 04:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThis batch of poems is spillover from the March 17, 2020 Poetry Fishbowl. They were inspired and sponsored by Shirley Barrette -- whose response to receiving them was "My heart is singing." :D This batch is the first of five seasonal sets of haiku based on my favorite kigo page. Continue with the summer, autumn, and winter batches.
Spring -- The Season
risshun
the coming of spring
melts the icicles that hang
from the wet gutters
* * *
haru asashi
the spring is shallow,
barely there -- winter's last blink
brushes it away
* * *
saekaeru
now returning cold
sweeps in with the snow and ice
to say -- spring, what spring?
* * *
yokan
it's still cold outside --
everything is shivering
even the west wind
* * *
harumeku
the weather's spring-like
but not yet spring: you can't trust
anything it does
* * *
keichitsu
bugs come out -- the air
shimmers with insects astir,
flying everywhere
* * *
higan
the spring equinox
balances the night and day
with a water yoke
* * *
haru no hi
the spring day is bright
with the promise of spring days
that have yet to come
* * *
shungyoo
sunrise, the spring dawn
taking out her paints to start
coloring the blooms
* * *
shunchoo
in spring, the noontime
is but a wash of yellow
on the day's canvas
* * *
haru no kure
the spring evening is
left waiting in silence for
insect musicians
* * *
haru no yo
with the spring night comes
sleep like a servant bearing
the softest of dreams
* * *
atataka
warm is the sense of
the spring season -- the sun gives
everything a hug
* * *
uraraka
sun, clouds, rain, earth, seeds --
now everything is serene,
all without a care
* * *
nodoka
the sun on the pond,
reflecting without motion --
everything tranquil
* * *
hinaga
it's been a long day
preparing paddies for rice --
ah, feet up at last!
* * *
chijitsu
the lingering day
slides down the horizon like
a kimono's hem
* * *
hanabie
blossom-cool, the spring
waits for the cherries to bloom
before warming up
* * *
haru fukashi
deep spring, and the sun
can finally be trusted
to stay at its post
* * *
yuku haru
nothing lasts, nothing --
the signs of the passing spring
are everywhere now
* * *
Spring -- The Heavens
shunkoo
the spring light spills down
through the white clouds scattering
like a school of fish
* * *
haru no sora
they dance together --
laughing sun and teasing rain --
across the spring sky
* * *
haru no kumo
in spring, clouds cover
the sky's shy face, like fan
hiding her blushes
* * *
oborozuki
this morning, the rain
swept the world with stately grace;
tonight -- hazy moon
* * *
haru kaze
the spring wind rushes
eagerly through the flowers
and off the world's edge
* * *
kochi
the east wind wakes with
the morning, bestirring birds
to be on their way
* * *
haru ichiban
spring's first gust opens
the throat of the sky -- deep breath
of meditation
* * *
kaze hikaru
shining wind -- lit with
clear sun, the wings of insects,
my lantern at dusk
* * *
haru hayate
a spring gust snatches
my hat and whirls it away --
dammit, I need that!
* * *
tsuchifuru
the air is dry with
yellow dust blown from China
we need some rain soon
* * *
harusame
the spring rain washes
everything clean and wets down
the fluttering dust
* * *
awayuki
alas! -- a light snow
has fallen during the night,
killing the flowers
* * *
yuki no hate
the end of snow is
here, the last of it melting
in the morning sun
* * *
wasurejimo
today there is ice
only in the deep shadows --
this is the last frost
* * *
shunrai
spring thunder shakes out
the sky like servants beating
on an old carpet
* * *
kasumi
a haze hangs low on
the horizon -- could be heat
or just the spring mist
* * *
kageroo
on a sunny day,
there it is -- shimmering air
above the hot stones
* * *
shunin
cloudy spring always
comes after sun -- the yin and
yang of the season
* * *
hanagumori
all through the garden,
blossom haze hangs in the air,
fuzzy and fragrant
* * *
Spring -- The Earth
haru no yama
in spring, mountains rise
through morning clouds, majestic --
emperors of stone
* * *
haru no no
come see the spring fields --
the plain of grass, the meadow
of many flowers
* * *
haru no mizu
the waters of spring
burble over balconies
like children's laughter
* * *
mizu nurumu
waters warming in
sun bring fish to the surface,
searching for their food
* * *
haru no umi
spring sea all silver,
surface shining in moonlight,
hiding the deep pools
* * *
shunchoo
with the spring tide come
fish in all their mystery
waiting to be caught
* * *
haru ta
the spring paddy fields
demanding to be planted --
oh, my aching back!
* * *
nawa shiro
the rice seedling patch
shows a faint green, like a scarf
cast on the water
* * *
haru no tsuchi
the spring soil is warm
with no more danger of frost --
time to plant ginger!
* * *
shundei
after the rainstorm,
the spring mud is everywhere --
garden path, boots, house
* * *
zansetsu
on a trip to see
a distant temple, the slopes
hold remaining snow
* * *
nadare
the mountain temple
is beautiful, but risky --
look out! avalanche!
* * *
yukidoke
walking down mountains,
melting snow makes the path slick
but reveals flowers
* * *
yukishiro
leaving the temple
it's good to see the melt off
run down the mountains
* * *
usurai
at the waystation,
thin ice covers the well, but
not past the sunrise
* * *
ryuuhyoo
when heading homeward,
ice flows clog the high creeks, but
not the low rivers
* * *
Spring -- Humanity
shuntoo
evening draws closer --
in my hand, a spring lantern
reveals the way home
* * *
yama yaki
men burning the hills
clear away the dead grasses
so new grass can grow
* * *
tagaeshi
bring out the horses,
sharpen the plow and hitch it
to turn the long rows
* * *
tauchi
tilling a paddy
is hard work, but the rice is
a heartless master
* * *
hatauchi
tilling a field takes
all day, growing vegetables
can take all season
* * *
tanemaki
sowing the field and
planting seed must be done well,
in just the right time
* * *
chatsumi
tea picking is tough,
but it creates the cup of
civilization
* * *
shiohigari
spend a day of rest
beach combing at low tide, then
cook supper outside
* * *
tsumikusa
come herb gathering
in the morning when the dew
clings to our slippers
* * *
tako
the kite dances in
the clear blue sky, a plaything
of children and wind
* * *
fuusen
blow up the balloons,
bat them into the air like
flowers in the sky
* * *
kazaguruma
flowers are nodding,
the wind kisses the pinwheels --
a blustery day
* * *
shabondama
washer women work
while children blow bamboo stems --
soap bubbles in spring
* * *
buranko
the chores are all done --
come sit in the hanging seat
and swing until dusk
* * *
shunmin
hey! spring slug-abed!
put on your kimono -- it's
time to cut the grass
* * *
shunshuu
after a big storm,
tiny apples on the ground --
spring melancholy
* * *
Spring -- Observances
hatsu uma
first day of the horse --
everyone goes to the shrine;
it is auspicious
hina matsuri
the Doll Festival --
it brings out the little girls
in the old women
* * *
nehane
white flowers and bells --
Nirvana Ceremony --
hear the Last Teaching
* * *
henro
on pilgrimage, they
walk all around Shikoku --
eighty-eight temples
* * *
busshooe
on Buddha's Birthday,
come to the flower hall and
pour hydrangea tea
* * *
saigyooki
come to the temple --
Saigyo's Memorial Day --
see the flowers fall
* * *
Spring -- Animals
wakagoma
the new colt totters
like a clown on bamboo stilts,
following his dam
* * *
neko no koi
cats in love, singing
classical songs on the fence --
ah! no sleep tonight
* * *
otamajakushi
rain in the garden:
in the forgotten basin --
there, look, there -- tadpoles!
* * *
kawazu
rain, rain everywhere --
water pouring out of boots --
a frog hops away
* * *
momochidori
many baby birds
wake at dawn, like all children,
demanding breakfast
* * *
uguisu
the bush warbler sings
his heart out seeking a mate --
heard, but rarely seen
* * *
kiji
the green pheasants call:
people wait for an earthquake --
was that? no -- nothing
* * *
hibari
a flash of rust in
the green bushes, and a song --
skylarks are courting
* * *
tsubame
flying in and out,
swallows sew the barn into
its place on the farm
* * *
kigan
departing geese fly
high overhead, heading north,
honking their way home
* * *
hikigamo
departing ducks go
right after the geese, screaming
at them to wait up
* * *
tori kumo ni iru
now birds enter clouds,
cutting through skeins of gray wool
as rain unravels
* * *
saezuri
twittering of birds
marks the coming of sunset --
time to go inside
* * *
sakuradai
serve the red sea bream
at all festive occasions:
cherry blossom fish
* * *
shirauo
the fishermen come
to the dock with their catches --
whitebait on rice, yum!
* * *
nokkomi buna
threshing in white foam
at the surface of the pond --
rising carp in love
* * *
waka ayu
in the fresh water
swim the young sweetfish,
waiting to become supper
* * *
hamaguri
ah, cherrystone clams --
this morning, sushi for lunch;
tonight, white go stones
* * *
choo
dancing butterflies
invite me to follow them
instead of working
* * *
kaiko
in mulberry trees,
the silkworms feast, kimonos
waiting to become
* * *
Spring -- Plants
ume
plum blossoms blooming --
spring in the orchard -- later,
we'll have pickled plums
* * *
kobai
the red plum blossoms
open, their color cutting
through the cold gray rain
* * *
tsubaki
camellia blossoms
bring the beautiful women
into the garden
* * *
hatsu hana
first cherry blossoms
announce the middle of spring --
anticipation!
* * *
sakura
cherry trees open
umbrellas on every branch --
oh, so beautiful!
* * *
hana
blossoms in the park --
come, bring fish and rice and wine,
and picnic blankets
* * *
osozakura
late cherry blossoms:
everyone gathers to see
pink petals falling
* * *
zanka
after people leave,
remaining cherry blossoms
still dot the branches
* * *
tsutsuji
the azaleas are
everywhere: parks, temples, shrines,
the neighbors' gardens
* * *
fuji
wisteria blooms,
and lovers walk through tunnels
of pale purple rain
* * *
yamabuki
the wild roses
bedeck the mountainsides with
speckles of yellow
* * *
momo no hana
in March, peach blossoms
drive away evil spirits
from the sweet gardens
* * *
ko no me
tree buds swell and then
burst into blossoms, followed
by the fresh green leaves
* * *
wakamidori
everywhere at once --
young green plants blanket the land,
filled with such promise
* * *
kuwa
mulberry gives us
leaves for silkworms, fruit for wine,
and wood for carving
* * *
yanagi
in the willow woods,
women coming and going,
slender and graceful
* * *
ryuujo
the willow fluff falls
over the pasture fence where
horses lap it up
* * *
take no aki
it's bamboo autumn --
in the slender forest, leaves
turn yellow and gold
* * *
na no hana
mustard flowers bloom
and majestic Mount Fuji
wears yellow slippers
* * *
daikon no hana
in the spring salads,
Japanese-radish flowers;
in autumn, the roots
* * *
mame no hana
bean flowers clinging
to the trellis -- so small, yet
so very scarlet
* * *
aomugi
now the green barley
is barely up -- testing, not
trusting the spring air
* * *
haru no kusa
spring grasses and forbs
will spread over the meadows,
inviting livestock
* * *
shitamoe
sprouting grasses and
broadleaves spear through the black earth --
conquering army
* * *
kusa no me
walking in the woods,
sprouts of wildflowers and
grasses underfoot
* * *
sumire
violets in bloom,
purple on green -- Mount Fuji
dons his royal robes
* * *
genge
vetch on the hillsides,
like a message from Gifu --
a springtime idyll
* * *
tanpopo
dandelions bloom --
children run through fields, playing
their little hand-drums
* * *
tsukushi
on the long walk home,
beside an abandoned plot:
there -- horsetails to eat!
* * *
sakurasoo
primrose in gardens --
young ladies lean together --
cherry blossom grass
* * *
warabi
in the shady woods,
picking fiddleheads today --
for supper, salad
* * *
seri
along the creeks, girls
gather water dropwort as
gifts for old women
* * *
shunran
pampered in gardens,
spring orchids run wild in woods --
oh, the irony!
* * *
yomogi
gathering mugwort
to prepare the sweet rice cakes
for the ancestors
* * *
tsubana
at the water's edge,
the reed ears open -- the seeds
whisper and listen
* * *
mikusa ou
waterweeds grow at
the edge of the rice paddies --
food, everywhere, food
* * *
ashi no tsuno
by the pond, reed sprouts
toss their horns like restless calves
as they rush the wind
* * *
wakame
after the storm goes,
people gather seaweed on
the beach for salad
* * *
nori
seaweed dried and made
into sheets to wrap sushi --
the sea's green obi
* * * * *
Notes:
This batch is long, so its notes appear separately.
Spring -- The Season
risshun
the coming of spring
melts the icicles that hang
from the wet gutters
* * *
haru asashi
the spring is shallow,
barely there -- winter's last blink
brushes it away
* * *
saekaeru
now returning cold
sweeps in with the snow and ice
to say -- spring, what spring?
* * *
yokan
it's still cold outside --
everything is shivering
even the west wind
* * *
harumeku
the weather's spring-like
but not yet spring: you can't trust
anything it does
* * *
keichitsu
bugs come out -- the air
shimmers with insects astir,
flying everywhere
* * *
higan
the spring equinox
balances the night and day
with a water yoke
* * *
haru no hi
the spring day is bright
with the promise of spring days
that have yet to come
* * *
shungyoo
sunrise, the spring dawn
taking out her paints to start
coloring the blooms
* * *
shunchoo
in spring, the noontime
is but a wash of yellow
on the day's canvas
* * *
haru no kure
the spring evening is
left waiting in silence for
insect musicians
* * *
haru no yo
with the spring night comes
sleep like a servant bearing
the softest of dreams
* * *
atataka
warm is the sense of
the spring season -- the sun gives
everything a hug
* * *
uraraka
sun, clouds, rain, earth, seeds --
now everything is serene,
all without a care
* * *
nodoka
the sun on the pond,
reflecting without motion --
everything tranquil
* * *
hinaga
it's been a long day
preparing paddies for rice --
ah, feet up at last!
* * *
chijitsu
the lingering day
slides down the horizon like
a kimono's hem
* * *
hanabie
blossom-cool, the spring
waits for the cherries to bloom
before warming up
* * *
haru fukashi
deep spring, and the sun
can finally be trusted
to stay at its post
* * *
yuku haru
nothing lasts, nothing --
the signs of the passing spring
are everywhere now
* * *
Spring -- The Heavens
shunkoo
the spring light spills down
through the white clouds scattering
like a school of fish
* * *
haru no sora
they dance together --
laughing sun and teasing rain --
across the spring sky
* * *
haru no kumo
in spring, clouds cover
the sky's shy face, like fan
hiding her blushes
* * *
oborozuki
this morning, the rain
swept the world with stately grace;
tonight -- hazy moon
* * *
haru kaze
the spring wind rushes
eagerly through the flowers
and off the world's edge
* * *
kochi
the east wind wakes with
the morning, bestirring birds
to be on their way
* * *
haru ichiban
spring's first gust opens
the throat of the sky -- deep breath
of meditation
* * *
kaze hikaru
shining wind -- lit with
clear sun, the wings of insects,
my lantern at dusk
* * *
haru hayate
a spring gust snatches
my hat and whirls it away --
dammit, I need that!
* * *
tsuchifuru
the air is dry with
yellow dust blown from China
we need some rain soon
* * *
harusame
the spring rain washes
everything clean and wets down
the fluttering dust
* * *
awayuki
alas! -- a light snow
has fallen during the night,
killing the flowers
* * *
yuki no hate
the end of snow is
here, the last of it melting
in the morning sun
* * *
wasurejimo
today there is ice
only in the deep shadows --
this is the last frost
* * *
shunrai
spring thunder shakes out
the sky like servants beating
on an old carpet
* * *
kasumi
a haze hangs low on
the horizon -- could be heat
or just the spring mist
* * *
kageroo
on a sunny day,
there it is -- shimmering air
above the hot stones
* * *
shunin
cloudy spring always
comes after sun -- the yin and
yang of the season
* * *
hanagumori
all through the garden,
blossom haze hangs in the air,
fuzzy and fragrant
* * *
Spring -- The Earth
haru no yama
in spring, mountains rise
through morning clouds, majestic --
emperors of stone
* * *
haru no no
come see the spring fields --
the plain of grass, the meadow
of many flowers
* * *
haru no mizu
the waters of spring
burble over balconies
like children's laughter
* * *
mizu nurumu
waters warming in
sun bring fish to the surface,
searching for their food
* * *
haru no umi
spring sea all silver,
surface shining in moonlight,
hiding the deep pools
* * *
shunchoo
with the spring tide come
fish in all their mystery
waiting to be caught
* * *
haru ta
the spring paddy fields
demanding to be planted --
oh, my aching back!
* * *
nawa shiro
the rice seedling patch
shows a faint green, like a scarf
cast on the water
* * *
haru no tsuchi
the spring soil is warm
with no more danger of frost --
time to plant ginger!
* * *
shundei
after the rainstorm,
the spring mud is everywhere --
garden path, boots, house
* * *
zansetsu
on a trip to see
a distant temple, the slopes
hold remaining snow
* * *
nadare
the mountain temple
is beautiful, but risky --
look out! avalanche!
* * *
yukidoke
walking down mountains,
melting snow makes the path slick
but reveals flowers
* * *
yukishiro
leaving the temple
it's good to see the melt off
run down the mountains
* * *
usurai
at the waystation,
thin ice covers the well, but
not past the sunrise
* * *
ryuuhyoo
when heading homeward,
ice flows clog the high creeks, but
not the low rivers
* * *
Spring -- Humanity
shuntoo
evening draws closer --
in my hand, a spring lantern
reveals the way home
* * *
yama yaki
men burning the hills
clear away the dead grasses
so new grass can grow
* * *
tagaeshi
bring out the horses,
sharpen the plow and hitch it
to turn the long rows
* * *
tauchi
tilling a paddy
is hard work, but the rice is
a heartless master
* * *
hatauchi
tilling a field takes
all day, growing vegetables
can take all season
* * *
tanemaki
sowing the field and
planting seed must be done well,
in just the right time
* * *
chatsumi
tea picking is tough,
but it creates the cup of
civilization
* * *
shiohigari
spend a day of rest
beach combing at low tide, then
cook supper outside
* * *
tsumikusa
come herb gathering
in the morning when the dew
clings to our slippers
* * *
tako
the kite dances in
the clear blue sky, a plaything
of children and wind
* * *
fuusen
blow up the balloons,
bat them into the air like
flowers in the sky
* * *
kazaguruma
flowers are nodding,
the wind kisses the pinwheels --
a blustery day
* * *
shabondama
washer women work
while children blow bamboo stems --
soap bubbles in spring
* * *
buranko
the chores are all done --
come sit in the hanging seat
and swing until dusk
* * *
shunmin
hey! spring slug-abed!
put on your kimono -- it's
time to cut the grass
* * *
shunshuu
after a big storm,
tiny apples on the ground --
spring melancholy
* * *
Spring -- Observances
hatsu uma
first day of the horse --
everyone goes to the shrine;
it is auspicious
hina matsuri
the Doll Festival --
it brings out the little girls
in the old women
* * *
nehane
white flowers and bells --
Nirvana Ceremony --
hear the Last Teaching
* * *
henro
on pilgrimage, they
walk all around Shikoku --
eighty-eight temples
* * *
busshooe
on Buddha's Birthday,
come to the flower hall and
pour hydrangea tea
* * *
saigyooki
come to the temple --
Saigyo's Memorial Day --
see the flowers fall
* * *
Spring -- Animals
wakagoma
the new colt totters
like a clown on bamboo stilts,
following his dam
* * *
neko no koi
cats in love, singing
classical songs on the fence --
ah! no sleep tonight
* * *
otamajakushi
rain in the garden:
in the forgotten basin --
there, look, there -- tadpoles!
* * *
kawazu
rain, rain everywhere --
water pouring out of boots --
a frog hops away
* * *
momochidori
many baby birds
wake at dawn, like all children,
demanding breakfast
* * *
uguisu
the bush warbler sings
his heart out seeking a mate --
heard, but rarely seen
* * *
kiji
the green pheasants call:
people wait for an earthquake --
was that? no -- nothing
* * *
hibari
a flash of rust in
the green bushes, and a song --
skylarks are courting
* * *
tsubame
flying in and out,
swallows sew the barn into
its place on the farm
* * *
kigan
departing geese fly
high overhead, heading north,
honking their way home
* * *
hikigamo
departing ducks go
right after the geese, screaming
at them to wait up
* * *
tori kumo ni iru
now birds enter clouds,
cutting through skeins of gray wool
as rain unravels
* * *
saezuri
twittering of birds
marks the coming of sunset --
time to go inside
* * *
sakuradai
serve the red sea bream
at all festive occasions:
cherry blossom fish
* * *
shirauo
the fishermen come
to the dock with their catches --
whitebait on rice, yum!
* * *
nokkomi buna
threshing in white foam
at the surface of the pond --
rising carp in love
* * *
waka ayu
in the fresh water
swim the young sweetfish,
waiting to become supper
* * *
hamaguri
ah, cherrystone clams --
this morning, sushi for lunch;
tonight, white go stones
* * *
choo
dancing butterflies
invite me to follow them
instead of working
* * *
kaiko
in mulberry trees,
the silkworms feast, kimonos
waiting to become
* * *
Spring -- Plants
ume
plum blossoms blooming --
spring in the orchard -- later,
we'll have pickled plums
* * *
kobai
the red plum blossoms
open, their color cutting
through the cold gray rain
* * *
tsubaki
camellia blossoms
bring the beautiful women
into the garden
* * *
hatsu hana
first cherry blossoms
announce the middle of spring --
anticipation!
* * *
sakura
cherry trees open
umbrellas on every branch --
oh, so beautiful!
* * *
hana
blossoms in the park --
come, bring fish and rice and wine,
and picnic blankets
* * *
osozakura
late cherry blossoms:
everyone gathers to see
pink petals falling
* * *
zanka
after people leave,
remaining cherry blossoms
still dot the branches
* * *
tsutsuji
the azaleas are
everywhere: parks, temples, shrines,
the neighbors' gardens
* * *
fuji
wisteria blooms,
and lovers walk through tunnels
of pale purple rain
* * *
yamabuki
the wild roses
bedeck the mountainsides with
speckles of yellow
* * *
momo no hana
in March, peach blossoms
drive away evil spirits
from the sweet gardens
* * *
ko no me
tree buds swell and then
burst into blossoms, followed
by the fresh green leaves
* * *
wakamidori
everywhere at once --
young green plants blanket the land,
filled with such promise
* * *
kuwa
mulberry gives us
leaves for silkworms, fruit for wine,
and wood for carving
* * *
yanagi
in the willow woods,
women coming and going,
slender and graceful
* * *
ryuujo
the willow fluff falls
over the pasture fence where
horses lap it up
* * *
take no aki
it's bamboo autumn --
in the slender forest, leaves
turn yellow and gold
* * *
na no hana
mustard flowers bloom
and majestic Mount Fuji
wears yellow slippers
* * *
daikon no hana
in the spring salads,
Japanese-radish flowers;
in autumn, the roots
* * *
mame no hana
bean flowers clinging
to the trellis -- so small, yet
so very scarlet
* * *
aomugi
now the green barley
is barely up -- testing, not
trusting the spring air
* * *
haru no kusa
spring grasses and forbs
will spread over the meadows,
inviting livestock
* * *
shitamoe
sprouting grasses and
broadleaves spear through the black earth --
conquering army
* * *
kusa no me
walking in the woods,
sprouts of wildflowers and
grasses underfoot
* * *
sumire
violets in bloom,
purple on green -- Mount Fuji
dons his royal robes
* * *
genge
vetch on the hillsides,
like a message from Gifu --
a springtime idyll
* * *
tanpopo
dandelions bloom --
children run through fields, playing
their little hand-drums
* * *
tsukushi
on the long walk home,
beside an abandoned plot:
there -- horsetails to eat!
* * *
sakurasoo
primrose in gardens --
young ladies lean together --
cherry blossom grass
* * *
warabi
in the shady woods,
picking fiddleheads today --
for supper, salad
* * *
seri
along the creeks, girls
gather water dropwort as
gifts for old women
* * *
shunran
pampered in gardens,
spring orchids run wild in woods --
oh, the irony!
* * *
yomogi
gathering mugwort
to prepare the sweet rice cakes
for the ancestors
* * *
tsubana
at the water's edge,
the reed ears open -- the seeds
whisper and listen
* * *
mikusa ou
waterweeds grow at
the edge of the rice paddies --
food, everywhere, food
* * *
ashi no tsuno
by the pond, reed sprouts
toss their horns like restless calves
as they rush the wind
* * *
wakame
after the storm goes,
people gather seaweed on
the beach for salad
* * *
nori
seaweed dried and made
into sheets to wrap sushi --
the sea's green obi
* * * * *
Notes:
This batch is long, so its notes appear separately.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-03-23 12:27 am (UTC)I love a LOT of these but I think my favourite is this one:
flying in and out,
swallows sew the barn into
its place on the farm
Thank you!
Date: 2020-03-23 02:01 am (UTC)You have just validated my job satisfaction for the day! :D
In fact, while I was mulling over the idea for this book, I hit on the idea of this as a method to preserve endangered languages. So I want to do a Native American one next.
The awesome thing is, anyone can do this. Learning a vocabulary list? Make each word into a poem. You don't need the the grammar, only the vocabulary. Anyone on any reservation could sit down and knap out a book using words from their heritage language and the cultural concepts that come with them. A seasonal foray in Anashinaabe, Cherokee, or Lakota would all be very different.
>> I love a LOT of these but I think my favourite is this one: <<
Japanese culture is not only fascinated by nature, but by the ... this doesn't translate well, the place-ness of things and people, how they are situated in the world and their belongingness in a particular location doing particular things.
The barn doesn't move, but the swallows move, and their motion connects the barn to the rest of the farm. The swallows fly everywhere, but they need a place to roost. Connection. Interdependence.
I crammed a ton of Japanese culture into these poems. The beautiful thing about language is that the encodings show what people care about. All those words and phrases about cherry blossoms tell you how much Japanese folks love cherries, and it's because the fleeting flowers embody principles of beauty and entropy. We appreciate them because they don't last long. I've always appreciated the ephemeral and the worn-down, but it was a college class on Japanese culture that gave me a name for it: wabi-sabi.