David English
the big cat sleeps
in the same seat...
with the doll
-Issa, 1824
62 years old, married second wife Uki on May, soon divorced on August. lost ability of speaking by paralysis. recovered and moved around on a carriage
sakuo Japanese
大猫も 眠る同席 人形と
Issa Original
大猫も同坐して寝る雛哉
ôneko mo dôza shite neru hiina kana
sakuo remark
Why is it big cat ? I think [big cat] is key word of this haiku.
The doll has been bought for the sake of celebrating his children who
had died soon after their birth.
Every spring, the third day of Third Month those dolls were displayed.
The seat in the front of doll that should be sat by his children, is
now occupied by the big cat.
Can you feel Issa's sadness at this doll festival ?
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