Poems

Ploughing the land Ploughing the land– not even a bird singing in the mountain’s shadow. Translated by Robert Hass

Sparrow singing Sparrow singing– its tiny mouth open. Translated by Robert Hass

Straw sandal half sunk Straw sandal half sunk in an old pond in the sleety snow. Translated by Robert Hass

The behavior of the pigeon The behavior of the pigeon is beyond reproach, but the mountain cuckoo? Translated by Robert Hass

The end of spring The end of spring– the poet is brooding about editors. Translated by Robert Hass

The old man The old man cutting barley– bent like a sickle. Translated by Robert Hass

The spring sea rising The spring sea rising and falling, rising and falling all day. Translated by Robert Hass

The willow leaves fallen The willow leaves fallen, the spring gone dry, rocks here and there. Translated by Robert Hass

They end their flight They end their flight one by one— crows at dusk. Translated by Robert Hass

Variations on ‘The short night–‘ Below are eleven Buson haiku beginning with the phrase ‘The short night–‘ The short night– on the hairy caterpillar beads of […]