Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) from Japan

Felling a tree
and seeing the cut end—
tonight's moon.

It would melt
in my hand—
the autumn frost.

How admirable!
to see lightning and not think
life is fleeting.


Yosa Buson (1716-1783) from Japan

The two plum trees—
I love their blooming!
one early, one later.

The sound of a bell
struck off center
vanishes in haze.

Cover my head
or my feet?
the winter quilt.


Kobayashi Issa (1763-1827) from Japan

Don't kill that fly!
Look—it's wringing its hands,
wringing its feet.

This world of dew
is a world of dew.
And yet, and yet—

New Year's Day—
everything is in blossom!
I feel about average.