Zen Death Haiku III

Zen Death Haiku III

A Poem by Michael R. Burch

From depths
unfathomably cold:
the oceans roar!
�Kasenjo (d. 1776), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Today Mount Hiei’s sky
with a quick change of clouds
also removes its robes.
�Shogo (1731-1798), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

I cup curious ears
among the hydrangeas
hoping to hear the spring cuckoo.
�Senchojo (?-1802), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Life,
is it like
a charcoal sketch, an obscure shadow?
�Toyokuni (?-1825), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Having been summoned,
I say farewell
to my house beneath the moon.
�Takuchi (1767-1846), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Since time dawned
only the dead have experienced peace;
life is snow burning in the sun.
�Nandai (1786-1817), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

Bitter winter winds ...
but later, river willow,
remember to open your buds!
�Senryu (1717-1790), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

A fall willow tree:
unlikely to be missed
as much as the cherry blossoms.
�Senryu II (?-1818), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

My path
to Paradise
is bright with flowers.
�Sokin (?-1818), loose translation by Michael R. Burch

© 2019 Michael R. Burch


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Added on November 17, 2019
Last Updated on November 17, 2019
Tags: Translation, Haiku, Zen, Death, Oriental, Japanese