Tuesday Poem: “In the midst of the plain …” Bassho
In the midst of the plain
sings the skylark
free of all things
Matsuo Bassho 1644-1694
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Haiku is such a popular form, both in New Zealand and internationally, that I felt it was time to include one as a Tuesday Poem. This poem, by the Japanese master, Matsuo Bassho, is a personal favourite, both because of its simplicity, but also the way it “speaks” to the deeper yearnings of our humanity. Despite that, it’s also very “zen”, which resonates with my martial arts background.
Oh, that’s a beautiful one.
I love haiku, because of their simplicity, the pictures they paint and the deeper meaning of most haiku. My favourite haiku master is Issa.
Simply trust;
Do not the petals flutter down,
Just like that?
Sullivan M: I love your choice, too. Issa wrote another of my favourites, too:
spring rain
rat laps
the Sumida river