Poem: Summer Haiku 6-21-20
Jun. 21st, 2020 11:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThis batch of poems is a gift for Anthony Barrette on Father's Day. This batch is the second of five seasonal sets of haiku based on my favorite kigo page, after the spring batch and before the autumn and winter batches.
Summer -- The Season
natsumeku
it is summer-like
but not quite summer -- spring's hand
lingers on the door
* * *
mugi no aki
in early summer,
barley begins to ripen,
green turning to gold
* * *
mijikayo
throughout the summer,
the nights run short and the days
bring hours of work
* * *
atsushi
the heart of summer
is heat: sweat dripping down skin
with no rain in sight
* * *
moyuru
in the late summer,
the air is smouldering hot,
heavy, hard to breathe
* * *
yakuru
burning hot, the sky
folds itself down in heatwaves
like fallen curtains
* * *
suzushi
late in the evening,
the air begins to cool and
sleep is possible
* * *
aki chikashi
as summer winds down,
the autumn draws near -- footsteps
on a leaf-strewn path
* * *
yoru no aki
on soft sooty wings
now comes the night autumnal
to roost in the trees
* * *
Summer -- The Heavens
kumo no mine
cloud peaks in the sky
like Nihon Arupusu
remade in vapor
* * *
natsu no tsuki
the summer moon is
reflected in my sake --
I swallow the moon!
* * *
minami
southerly winds bring
humid air from the ocean,
and then comes the rain
* * *
aoarashi
all summer long I
listen to the light green sound:
wind in the verdure
* * *
kunpuu
in the back garden,
I touch the flowers and I
breathe the fragrant breeze
* * *
yuunagi
soft sand, tired feet --
evening lull at the seaside,
a drink in my hand
* * *
tsuyu
now the plum rain falls,
warm and wet as sweat dripping,
watering the fields
* * *
samidare
sun at the peak of
its power is lost behind
the midsummer rain
* * *
yuudachi
evening downpour sounds
on the roof and the windows --
ah! den-den daiko!
* * *
niji
after the rain goes,
the rainbow dresses the sky --
jūnihitoe
* * *
kaminari
thunder overhead
booms like the sails of a ship --
the sound of summer
* * *
satsuki yami
the end of the day
brings welcome rest after work,
midsummer darkness
* * *
asagumori
morning cloudiness
means no work outside -- alas,
my office remains
* * *
yuuyake
sunset's afterglow
smudges color in the west
of the burnt evening
* * *
hizakari
heat at zenith and
sun high overhead -- oh, rain,
forgive a fool's curse!
* * *
katakage
the shady side of
the house holds an old pond where
the frogs take refuge
* * *
hideri
in late summer, drought
bakes the land in a dry heat
with no clouds in sight
* * *
Summer -- The Earth
natsuno
a summer meadow
festooned with flowers -- listen!
the bees are busy
* * *
aota
now the green paddy
begins to fulfill the work
that went into it.
* * *
izumi
in the fountainhead
barefoot children splash and play ...
and their father too
* * *
shimizu
the clear springwater
tastes so cold and good -- drinking
winter memories
* * *
shitatari
dripping springwater
hidden beneath the green ferns --
sound of a secret
* * *
taki
the waterfall is
a scrap of the rainstorm snagged
on the cliff's sharp rim
* * *
Summer -- Humanity
koromogae
early summer says
it is time for switching clothes --
heavy off, light on
* * *
hitoe
a pretty woman,
a one-layered kimono --
the sights of summer
* * *
usumono
thin clothes in the heat --
linen and cotton and silk
make it bearable
* * *
yukata
summer kimono --
plain indigo for the men,
women in flowers
* * *
shincha
no trouble's too big
to drown within a teacup --
new tea for summer!
* * *
takamushiro
straw mats line the floors --
soft underfoot and cool when
the night is steamy
* * *
aosudare
the courting couples
giggle on either side of
a green bamboo blind
* * *
mushiboshi
airing out bedding
and clothes -- might as well admit
we're just drying bugs
* * *
gyoozui
the portable tub
in the back garden makes for
a pleasant sitz bath
* * *
taue
time for rice planting --
move seedlings to the paddies
and pray they survive
* * *
kusakari
cutting grasses in
the high fields for hay and mulch --
green smell on the breeze
* * *
mayu
the silk worm cocoons
hang in the mulberry trees
like little seed pods
* * *
ukai
cormorant fishing --
a small boat and a black bird
bring in many fish
* * *
yana
a fishing weir placed
across a swift stream catches
everything swimming
* * *
suzumi
in the river shade,
on the sandy beach, in rain --
people cooling off
* * *
oyogi
as often as they
can, everyone goes swimming
in the summer heat
* * *
hanabi
the fireworks bloom
like loud flowers in the sky --
red, silver, blue, gold
* * *
hashi-i
in late afternoon,
the sound of chatter -- people
cooling on the porch
* * *
Summer -- Observances
tango
swimming in the wind,
flags shaped like carp mark the day:
Tango no Sekku
* * *
matsuri
every city has
its summer festival with
parades, floats, and food
* * *
kanda matsuri
at the Kanda Shrine,
the musicians and dancers
honor the kami
* * *
gione
heirlooms on porches,
smoke in shrines -- festival of
purification
* * *
tenma matsuri
river procession
of boats strung with colored lights --
Tenma Festival
* * *
nagoshi
at the half-year's end,
bow, pass through the ring of reeds --
let go of misdeeds
* * *
Summer -- Animals
kanoko
spotted fawns follow
their mothers through summer woods
like dappled shadows
* * *
kajika
river frog hidden
between the mossy boulders
sings for his lady
* * *
hototogisu
the little cuckoo
calls from the bamboo forest,
singing its own name
* * *
oiuguisu
the old bush warbler
still sings love songs, long after
ladies stopped caring
* * *
kawasemi
the kingfisher waits
above the summer river --
a fish jumps -- he strikes!
* * *
kuina
a water rail slips
through the green-and-brown reed bed,
hunting for insects
* * *
ayu
in the market stalls,
someone is selling sweetfish --
what wonderful luck!
* * *
hatsugatsuo
fishing all day long,
then at dusk, a bonito --
first of the season!
* * *
hamo
the saltwater eel
is quite fierce, but delicious
served with ume sauce
* * *
ga
moths dance around lamps,
the souls of the living with
wings of silver dust
* * *
hotaru
fireflies come out
in warm, wet summer evenings --
a dance of lanterns
* * *
semi
high in the branches,
cicadas shriek their love songs
on the summer breeze
* * *
utsusemi
the morning after
summer rain, cicada shells
crunching underfoot
* * *
hae
flies in the melon,
the honey, and the sushi --
my fan does no good
* * *
ka
no matter how great
the man, the mosquito has
no mercy at night
* * *
ari
on the patio,
a line of ants work to move
a dead butterfly
* * *
Summer -- Plants
yoka
the orchard in bloom,
summer blossoms heavy in
the air all day long
* * *
hazakura
leafing cherry tree
leans over the little bridge,
patting my shoulder
* * *
botan
tree peonies bring
nobility of spirit
and prosperity
* * *
hana tachibana
the fields are full of
mandarin orange blossoms
all swarming with bees
* * *
aoume
green plums are ready
for harvest -- plum wine, syrup,
and some pickled plums!
* * *
natsu kodachi
in the summer grove,
I stroll between shady trees,
thinking of deep things
* * *
shinju
the trees newly green
and the grass bejeweled with dew --
early summer comes
* * *
wakaba
young leaves in salad
dressed with sweetened vinegar --
the taste of summer
* * *
aoba
throughout the summer,
the green leaves grow everywhere --
a season of jade
* * *
shigeri
farm and forest share
luxurance of foliage
growing in layers
* * *
banryoku
myriad green leaves
line the banks of the rivers,
waiting for artists
* * *
konoshita yami
the shade of a tree
might as well be a palace
to a tired man
* * *
ryokuin
in the green leaf shade,
even enlightenment seems
not so far away
* * *
waka kaede
the young maple leaves
with their red and green fingers
like children painting
* * *
wakuraba
blighted leaves beside
the road -- sunburned, bug-nibbled --
nothing is perfect
* * *
tokiwagi ochiba
under camphor trees,
fallen evergreen leaves -- they
know how to let go
* * *
u no hana
deutzia flowers
form low banks in the garden
like snow in summer
* * *
ibara no hana
over the white fence
multiflora rose blossoms
lean like pretty girls
* * *
kiri no hana
another daughter!
pawlonia flowers bloom --
time to plant a tree
* * *
aogiri
phoenix tree blossoms
open their red parasols,
bright against green leaves
* * *
take ochiba
fallen bamboo leaves
begin to litter the ground --
green and brown crosshatch
* * *
kakitsubata
blue flags line the stream --
their leaves like little green swords
salute the water
* * *
ayame
wild iris bloom
suddenly blue and yellow
in a fallow field
* * *
shoobu
in summer bouquets,
Japanese iris protect
from evil spirits
* * *
himawari
the sunflowers turn
to face the sun, like children
follow their father
* * *
nadeshiko
pinks in the tall grass --
pink and red, purple and white --
hidden by the green
* * *
yuri
tiger lilies stalk
through early summer gardens
bringing people wealth
* * *
yuugao
the moon flower breathes
its white perfume through the night --
ah, evening glory!
* * *
takenoko
bamboo shoots grow fast --
cut some for breakfast, and then
again for supper!
* * *
fuki
I pick bog rhubarb
to make relish -- the children,
to make umbrellas
* * *
uri
nothing tastes better
on a hot day than melon,
chilled and dripping wet
* * *
nasu
eggplant so purple
that it's almost black, waiting
for the cook's fingers
* * *
hasu
rising from the mud,
lotus leaves like umbrellas --
enlightened flowers
* * *
mugi
barley in the fields,
a promise of barley in
the barn -- we can hope
* * *
sanae
out in the paddies
young rice plants dance in the breeze
like limber maidens
* * *
natsu kusa
cattle grow fat on
summer grasses and broadleaves --
and soon we shall feast!
* * *
kusa ikire
rank weeds by the road
rank weeds on the compost heap --
oh, now they smell worse!
* * *
aoashi
around the edge of
the lake, the green reeds whisper
like historians
* * *
mugura
burweed in the fields
comes home on my kimono,
my stockings -- my hair!
* * *
makomo
water oats grow tall
in the abandoned ditches
where the blackbirds sing
* * *
ukikusa
duckweed in the pond --
leave it until tomorrow,
scoop twice as much out
* * *
Notes:
This batch is long, so its notes appear elsewhere.
Summer -- The Season
natsumeku
it is summer-like
but not quite summer -- spring's hand
lingers on the door
* * *
mugi no aki
in early summer,
barley begins to ripen,
green turning to gold
* * *
mijikayo
throughout the summer,
the nights run short and the days
bring hours of work
* * *
atsushi
the heart of summer
is heat: sweat dripping down skin
with no rain in sight
* * *
moyuru
in the late summer,
the air is smouldering hot,
heavy, hard to breathe
* * *
yakuru
burning hot, the sky
folds itself down in heatwaves
like fallen curtains
* * *
suzushi
late in the evening,
the air begins to cool and
sleep is possible
* * *
aki chikashi
as summer winds down,
the autumn draws near -- footsteps
on a leaf-strewn path
* * *
yoru no aki
on soft sooty wings
now comes the night autumnal
to roost in the trees
* * *
Summer -- The Heavens
kumo no mine
cloud peaks in the sky
like Nihon Arupusu
remade in vapor
* * *
natsu no tsuki
the summer moon is
reflected in my sake --
I swallow the moon!
* * *
minami
southerly winds bring
humid air from the ocean,
and then comes the rain
* * *
aoarashi
all summer long I
listen to the light green sound:
wind in the verdure
* * *
kunpuu
in the back garden,
I touch the flowers and I
breathe the fragrant breeze
* * *
yuunagi
soft sand, tired feet --
evening lull at the seaside,
a drink in my hand
* * *
tsuyu
now the plum rain falls,
warm and wet as sweat dripping,
watering the fields
* * *
samidare
sun at the peak of
its power is lost behind
the midsummer rain
* * *
yuudachi
evening downpour sounds
on the roof and the windows --
ah! den-den daiko!
* * *
niji
after the rain goes,
the rainbow dresses the sky --
jūnihitoe
* * *
kaminari
thunder overhead
booms like the sails of a ship --
the sound of summer
* * *
satsuki yami
the end of the day
brings welcome rest after work,
midsummer darkness
* * *
asagumori
morning cloudiness
means no work outside -- alas,
my office remains
* * *
yuuyake
sunset's afterglow
smudges color in the west
of the burnt evening
* * *
hizakari
heat at zenith and
sun high overhead -- oh, rain,
forgive a fool's curse!
* * *
katakage
the shady side of
the house holds an old pond where
the frogs take refuge
* * *
hideri
in late summer, drought
bakes the land in a dry heat
with no clouds in sight
* * *
Summer -- The Earth
natsuno
a summer meadow
festooned with flowers -- listen!
the bees are busy
* * *
aota
now the green paddy
begins to fulfill the work
that went into it.
* * *
izumi
in the fountainhead
barefoot children splash and play ...
and their father too
* * *
shimizu
the clear springwater
tastes so cold and good -- drinking
winter memories
* * *
shitatari
dripping springwater
hidden beneath the green ferns --
sound of a secret
* * *
taki
the waterfall is
a scrap of the rainstorm snagged
on the cliff's sharp rim
* * *
Summer -- Humanity
koromogae
early summer says
it is time for switching clothes --
heavy off, light on
* * *
hitoe
a pretty woman,
a one-layered kimono --
the sights of summer
* * *
usumono
thin clothes in the heat --
linen and cotton and silk
make it bearable
* * *
yukata
summer kimono --
plain indigo for the men,
women in flowers
* * *
shincha
no trouble's too big
to drown within a teacup --
new tea for summer!
* * *
takamushiro
straw mats line the floors --
soft underfoot and cool when
the night is steamy
* * *
aosudare
the courting couples
giggle on either side of
a green bamboo blind
* * *
mushiboshi
airing out bedding
and clothes -- might as well admit
we're just drying bugs
* * *
gyoozui
the portable tub
in the back garden makes for
a pleasant sitz bath
* * *
taue
time for rice planting --
move seedlings to the paddies
and pray they survive
* * *
kusakari
cutting grasses in
the high fields for hay and mulch --
green smell on the breeze
* * *
mayu
the silk worm cocoons
hang in the mulberry trees
like little seed pods
* * *
ukai
cormorant fishing --
a small boat and a black bird
bring in many fish
* * *
yana
a fishing weir placed
across a swift stream catches
everything swimming
* * *
suzumi
in the river shade,
on the sandy beach, in rain --
people cooling off
* * *
oyogi
as often as they
can, everyone goes swimming
in the summer heat
* * *
hanabi
the fireworks bloom
like loud flowers in the sky --
red, silver, blue, gold
* * *
hashi-i
in late afternoon,
the sound of chatter -- people
cooling on the porch
* * *
Summer -- Observances
tango
swimming in the wind,
flags shaped like carp mark the day:
Tango no Sekku
* * *
matsuri
every city has
its summer festival with
parades, floats, and food
* * *
kanda matsuri
at the Kanda Shrine,
the musicians and dancers
honor the kami
* * *
gione
heirlooms on porches,
smoke in shrines -- festival of
purification
* * *
tenma matsuri
river procession
of boats strung with colored lights --
Tenma Festival
* * *
nagoshi
at the half-year's end,
bow, pass through the ring of reeds --
let go of misdeeds
* * *
Summer -- Animals
kanoko
spotted fawns follow
their mothers through summer woods
like dappled shadows
* * *
kajika
river frog hidden
between the mossy boulders
sings for his lady
* * *
hototogisu
the little cuckoo
calls from the bamboo forest,
singing its own name
* * *
oiuguisu
the old bush warbler
still sings love songs, long after
ladies stopped caring
* * *
kawasemi
the kingfisher waits
above the summer river --
a fish jumps -- he strikes!
* * *
kuina
a water rail slips
through the green-and-brown reed bed,
hunting for insects
* * *
ayu
in the market stalls,
someone is selling sweetfish --
what wonderful luck!
* * *
hatsugatsuo
fishing all day long,
then at dusk, a bonito --
first of the season!
* * *
hamo
the saltwater eel
is quite fierce, but delicious
served with ume sauce
* * *
ga
moths dance around lamps,
the souls of the living with
wings of silver dust
* * *
hotaru
fireflies come out
in warm, wet summer evenings --
a dance of lanterns
* * *
semi
high in the branches,
cicadas shriek their love songs
on the summer breeze
* * *
utsusemi
the morning after
summer rain, cicada shells
crunching underfoot
* * *
hae
flies in the melon,
the honey, and the sushi --
my fan does no good
* * *
ka
no matter how great
the man, the mosquito has
no mercy at night
* * *
ari
on the patio,
a line of ants work to move
a dead butterfly
* * *
Summer -- Plants
yoka
the orchard in bloom,
summer blossoms heavy in
the air all day long
* * *
hazakura
leafing cherry tree
leans over the little bridge,
patting my shoulder
* * *
botan
tree peonies bring
nobility of spirit
and prosperity
* * *
hana tachibana
the fields are full of
mandarin orange blossoms
all swarming with bees
* * *
aoume
green plums are ready
for harvest -- plum wine, syrup,
and some pickled plums!
* * *
natsu kodachi
in the summer grove,
I stroll between shady trees,
thinking of deep things
* * *
shinju
the trees newly green
and the grass bejeweled with dew --
early summer comes
* * *
wakaba
young leaves in salad
dressed with sweetened vinegar --
the taste of summer
* * *
aoba
throughout the summer,
the green leaves grow everywhere --
a season of jade
* * *
shigeri
farm and forest share
luxurance of foliage
growing in layers
* * *
banryoku
myriad green leaves
line the banks of the rivers,
waiting for artists
* * *
konoshita yami
the shade of a tree
might as well be a palace
to a tired man
* * *
ryokuin
in the green leaf shade,
even enlightenment seems
not so far away
* * *
waka kaede
the young maple leaves
with their red and green fingers
like children painting
* * *
wakuraba
blighted leaves beside
the road -- sunburned, bug-nibbled --
nothing is perfect
* * *
tokiwagi ochiba
under camphor trees,
fallen evergreen leaves -- they
know how to let go
* * *
u no hana
deutzia flowers
form low banks in the garden
like snow in summer
* * *
ibara no hana
over the white fence
multiflora rose blossoms
lean like pretty girls
* * *
kiri no hana
another daughter!
pawlonia flowers bloom --
time to plant a tree
* * *
aogiri
phoenix tree blossoms
open their red parasols,
bright against green leaves
* * *
take ochiba
fallen bamboo leaves
begin to litter the ground --
green and brown crosshatch
* * *
kakitsubata
blue flags line the stream --
their leaves like little green swords
salute the water
* * *
ayame
wild iris bloom
suddenly blue and yellow
in a fallow field
* * *
shoobu
in summer bouquets,
Japanese iris protect
from evil spirits
* * *
himawari
the sunflowers turn
to face the sun, like children
follow their father
* * *
nadeshiko
pinks in the tall grass --
pink and red, purple and white --
hidden by the green
* * *
yuri
tiger lilies stalk
through early summer gardens
bringing people wealth
* * *
yuugao
the moon flower breathes
its white perfume through the night --
ah, evening glory!
* * *
takenoko
bamboo shoots grow fast --
cut some for breakfast, and then
again for supper!
* * *
fuki
I pick bog rhubarb
to make relish -- the children,
to make umbrellas
* * *
uri
nothing tastes better
on a hot day than melon,
chilled and dripping wet
* * *
nasu
eggplant so purple
that it's almost black, waiting
for the cook's fingers
* * *
hasu
rising from the mud,
lotus leaves like umbrellas --
enlightened flowers
* * *
mugi
barley in the fields,
a promise of barley in
the barn -- we can hope
* * *
sanae
out in the paddies
young rice plants dance in the breeze
like limber maidens
* * *
natsu kusa
cattle grow fat on
summer grasses and broadleaves --
and soon we shall feast!
* * *
kusa ikire
rank weeds by the road
rank weeds on the compost heap --
oh, now they smell worse!
* * *
aoashi
around the edge of
the lake, the green reeds whisper
like historians
* * *
mugura
burweed in the fields
comes home on my kimono,
my stockings -- my hair!
* * *
makomo
water oats grow tall
in the abandoned ditches
where the blackbirds sing
* * *
ukikusa
duckweed in the pond --
leave it until tomorrow,
scoop twice as much out
* * *
Notes:
This batch is long, so its notes appear elsewhere.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-06-24 01:28 am (UTC)> reflected in my sake --
> I swallow the moon!
This happens a lot at moon-viewing parties, apparently.
> morning cloudiness
> means no work outside -- alas,
> my office remains
BIG mood
> the clear springwater
> tastes so cold and good -- drinking
> winter memories
& sticking your feet in them, a little further downstream.
> airing out bedding
> and clothes -- might as well admit
> we're just drying bugs
have camped a lot, can confirm
>rank weeds by the road
> rank weeds on the compost heap --
> oh, now they smell worse!
noooooooooooo *cackling*
Thoughts
Date: 2020-06-24 01:38 am (UTC)LOL yes. It would be a good haiku for such occasions.
>> & sticking your feet in them, a little further downstream.<<
I love creek hiking. :D
>> have camped a lot, can confirm <<
Where do you think I got the idea?
>> noooooooooooo *cackling* <<
Yeah, never compost anything that already stinks, like skunk cabbage. Live and learn.