Why should I be bitter by Saigyo

Why should I be bitter 
by Saigyo




Why should I be bitter
About someone who was
A complete stranger
Until a certain moment
In a day that has passed.




Simple imagery that holds the mind. A link to read more about this poet is here.http://www.hermitary.com/articles/saigyo.html

This world of men by Ki no Tsurayuki

This world of men 
by Ki no Tsurayuki


This world of men
Is a hard place, is it not?
Folk's words
Saying this and that
Spread rumours, causing pain.


I like the simplicity of these poems. A link to read more about the poet is here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ki_no_Tsurayuki

White blossoms of the pear by Yosa Buson

White blossoms of the pear
by Yosa Buson
translated by Robert Hass




White blossoms of the pear
and a woman in moonlight
   reading a letter.






With a few words this poem lingers in the imagination. A link to learn more I have provided here.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yosa_Buson

Watching the moon by Izumi Shikibu

Watching the Moon
by Izumi Shikibu


translated by Jane Hirshfield
and Mariko Aratami



Watching the moon
at dawn
solitary, mid-sky,
I knew myself completely,
no part left out.




Thoughtful, lovely imagery. I've provided a couple of links to read more.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izumi_Shikibu,http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/omori/court/izumi.html

There's not a trace of a cloud by Saigyo

There's not a trace of a cloud
by Saigyo


There's not a trace of cloud
Now-and she
Is in my thoughts;
The moon and my heart
Seem to waver.




Lush emotional imagery in this poem. A link to read more
about this poet is here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saigyō_Hōshi

A monk sips morning tea by Matsuo Basho

A monk sips morning tea
by Matsuo Basho

translation by Robert Hass

A monk sips morning tea,
it's quiet,
the chrysanthemum's flowering.


I love the simple beauty of these poems. A link to read more about this poet. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matsuo_Bashō