Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesday Poem - Basho



The sea darkens
And a wild duck’s call
Is faintly white


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Clouds -
a chance to dodge
moonviewing



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Orchid breathing 
incense into
butterfly wings



Matsuo Basho
1644 - 1694


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My friend Rupert, over in Oz, sent me the first of these Basho haikus; its deep quiet sent me looking for others.  




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For more Tuesday Poems, please click here



This week's editor is new-to-TP poet Robert Sullivan (welcome Robert!); he has chosen the poem To Stuart by NZ poet Alistair Te Ariki Campbell.  





6 comments:

  1. Thanks Claire. You've given another site to explore. There's a peace about these pieces that appeals.
    Harvey

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  2. You just can't beat Bassho. I also love his haibun journey book: "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." Wonderful stuff.

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  3. Hello Harvey - there is a peace about these pieces, yes. I feel a need for things of this timbre at the moment and am glad you feel prompted to explore further.
    Take care, Claire.

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  4. Hi Helen - I am new to Basho's poetry, but 'The narrow road to the deep North' is apparently his most famous title. . . There's an interesting site here -
    http://www.sonic.net/~tabine/SAABasho_etc_Spring_2005/basho_folder/SAASpring2005_Basho_01.html
    Thanks for coming by ; )

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  5. Oh, the tranquility of these haikus is captivating. Thanks for posting the link, too, Claire, I am new to Basho. Such tender words, stunning!

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  6. Hi Elizabeth - haikus can be small marvels, can't they. . . the way they beckon gently, then surprise us by opening up entirely new, miniature universes. Basho is new to me, too. I'm happy we've both been introduced to him, too ; ) (no matter the centuries of time and space between him and us!).

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