Look , woman begger singer !

Twelfth month singers


David English
Twelfth Month singers--their butts facing Sumida River

-Issa, 1818
56 years old, stay in Sinano. first daughter was born on May.

sakuo Japanese
節季候　尻面向ける　角田川
setuki zoro siri tura mukeru sumida-gawa

Issa Original
せき候の尻の先也角田川
sekizoro no shiri no saki nari sumida-gawa

Similar haiku of Twelfth Month singers

1818 鶺鴒の尻ではやすやせっき候
sekirei no shiri de hayasu ya se[k]kizoro

performing behind a waterfall...Twelfth Month singers

1818 えどの世は女もす也節き候
edo no yo wa onna mo su nari sekkizoro

Edo's world--women also are Twelfth Month singers
Edo is the old name for Tokyo. In this large and culturally progressive city, even women participate in an activity once reserved exclusively for men

sakuo remark
Issa was surprised to see women beggers singing near the Sumida river in Edo.
Look femal Beggers sing with her hip swinging !.

Let's try !

even the nightingale


David English
even the nightingale
has an apprentice...
sitting room

-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
うぐいすも　弟子持ちたる　座敷かな
uguisu mo desiwo motitaru zasiki kana

Issa　Original
鶯も弟子を持たる座敷哉
uguisu mo deisho wo mochitaru zashiki kana

David comment
An older nightingale is training a younger "apprentice" (deishi) in the art of singing. In a "sitting room" (zashiki) Issa enjoys the lesson.

sakuo remark
That’s right !

Picky Issa, retired timely !

the hornet too


David English
the hornet too
knowing the eaves
returns

-Issa, 1820
58 years old, on October second son born. fall over
and was smitten by palsy ,but lightly. wrote haiku literatures.

sakuo Japanese
熊蜂も　軒端を憶え　帰りけり
kumabachi mo nokiba wo oboe kaeri keri

Issa　Original
熊蜂も軒端を知って帰りけり 一茶
kumabachi mo nokiba wo shitte kaeri keri

David comment
Shinji Ogawa thinks that Issa may be punning with nokiba wo shitte, which can mean, "knowing the eaves" and "knowing when to retreat." Hence, the haiku has a double meaning: "even the hornet/ goes back/ knowing the eaves" and "even the hornet/ goes back/ knowing the time to retreat."If Shinji is right, this is an example of an untranslatable poem, if one expects a translation to resonate in the target language precisely in the way that the original text does

sakuo　remark
I am　picky Issa . Knowing the time to retreat,
I have retired from Edo. Take care, Man.

I wish to slide as like them !

at my gate


David English
at my gate
slipping so skillfully...
a Twelfth Month singer

-Issa, 1818
56 years old, stay in Sinano, first daughter was born on May.

sakuo Japanese
わが門を　上手く滑るや　節季候
waga kado wo umaku suberuya setuki-zoro

Issa　Original
門口や上手に滑る節季候
kado-guchi ya jyôzu ni suberu sekkizoro

Or: "at the gate." Issa doesn't specify that the gate is his, but this might be inferred. One of the troupe of singers has slipped on a patch of ice, becoming a sudden gymnast. Sekizoro refers to a Twelfth Month custom in which strolling singers wandered from town to town, singing festive celebration songs; Kiyose (Tokyo: Kakugawa Shoten, 1984) 348. Shinji Ogawa adds, "They covered their mouths like ladies in the Arab countries. They usually consisted of three or four persons with some types of musical instruments."

sakuo remark
Issa watched singing beggers who were pleasantly
sliding on the snow.
He would wish to slip as they do,

my son die so quickly

even the roof's moss


David English
even the roof's moss
blooms
then scatters

Issa, 1821
59 years old, his territory has expanded in Sinano. second son died after 90's days’ short life.

sakuo Japanese
苔でさえ　花咲きそして　散りにけり
koke de sae hanasaki sosite tirini keri

Issa Original season is summer
屋根の苔花迄咲いて落にけり
yane no koke hana made saite ochi ni keri

sakuo image
Issa has lost his son of 90 days’ short life, he thinks even
worthless moss can bloom before scattering.
Why my son so quickly die!

A lonesome and poor poet am I !!

thatched with


David English
thatched with
morning-glories
my little hut

-Issa, 1812
50 years old, lived in Edo, leaving out on November to
his home village for dwelling eternally there.
It needs more two year to getting his share of father's asset

sakuo Japanese
朝顔で　葺くや小さき　庵かな　
asagao de fuku ya tiisaki iori kana

Issa Original
朝顔の花で葺たる庵哉
asagao no hana de fukitaru iori kana

sakuo image
When he returned home after haiku trip on Autumn morning,
he found the scene of this haiku.
Elegant mood isn’t it. But it is a little sad!!.

hung down like a bat

from the arm


David English
from the arm
of the Deva Kings
bats dangle

-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
蝙蝠や　仁王の腕より　ぶる下がる
koumori ya niou no ude yori burusagaru

Issa　Original
かはほりや仁王の腕にぶら下り 一茶
kawahori ya niô no ude ni burasagari

Two fierce Deva Kings (niô) stand guard at a temple gate. In modern Japanese "bat" is pronounced, kômori. Issa pronounced it, kawahori.

sakuo Image
At this time he was not free because of paralysis, so he was visiting his friends with carriage. He should dangle the belt of the carriage just like the bat.

Peacefull, still and true happy !

moon shining


David English
moon shining
on the dinner tray...
plum blossoms

-Issa, 1815
53 years old. On last year he has got his father's asset and married with Kiku.
September he went to Edo to publish his poem book. and being to Bosyu for visiting his haiku friends, coming back to his village on December

sakuo Japanese
月は照る　お盆の上や　梅の花

Issa　Original
膳先へ月のさしけり梅の花
zen saki e tsuki no sashi keri ume [no] hana

Shinji Ogawa explains that a zen (dining tray) is about one foot by one foot with five-inch legs

sakuo remark
very peaceful mood in Spring.




　

Oh , Yes let's go to Edo !

the Katydid


David English
the katydid
has given his cage
the slip

-Issa, 1815
53 years old. On last year he has got his father's asset and married with Kiku.
September he went to Edo to publish his poem book. and being to Bosyu for
visiting his haiku friends. come back to his village on December

sakuo Japanese
キリギリス　籠を与えて　滑り哉
kirigirisu kaga wo ataeta suber ker

Issa　Original
きりぎりすまんまと籠を出たりけり
kirigirisu manma to kago wo detari keri

sakuo image
This year, he has stayed in his village with his wife whom he got
married on last April.
Passing through long honey moon, Issa would wish to go to Edo where luxury is booming. But his new wife did not wish his trip to Edo.
Any way he could start to Edo on September.
Katydid Issa said, let go to Edo!!

Give me half of father's asset !

scowling


David English
scowling
at the evening sky...
frog

-Issa, 1812
50 years old, lived in Edo, leaving out on November to
his home village for dwelling eternally there.
It needs more two year to getting his share of father's asset

sakuo Japanese
夕方の空をにらむや　蛙かな
yugata no sora wo niramu ya kaeru kana

Issa　Original
夕空をにらみつけたる蛙哉 一茶
yûzora wo nirami tsuketaru kawazu kana

sakuo image
The fog is Issa who is scowling toward west where is his home
village. Issa is looking for returning to the village , getting his father’s asset from his half brother.
He is gazing at the west.

Kiku didn't mind of his haiku

move aside


David English
move aside
cloud and fog!
lotuses are blooming

-Issa, 1814
52 years old, On February the settlement of father's asset has been decided, he got his share. On April he marred with Kiku. On August went to Edo for preparation of retirement.

Sakuo Japanese
雲と霧　どいておくれよ　蓮の咲く
kumo to kiri doite　okure yo　 hasuno saku


Issa Original
雲霧もそっちのけとや蓮の花
ummu mo sotchi noke to ya hasu no hana

similar type of haiku
蝶鳥もそっちのけとや蓮の花
chô tori mo sotchi noke to ya hasu [no] hana move aside

sakuo image
As my conclusion, the lotus didn’t mind cloud and fog,( or butterfly and bird)
That is Issa, haiku-poet always pay attention to the weather and the animals.
The lotus is his new wife “ Kiku “ who is gay and active
every day.

Spring and spring !

on the eaves


David English
on the eaves firewood and a cat...snow is melting!

-Issa, 1818
56 years old, stay in Sinano. first daughter was born on May.

Sakuo Japanese
軒の上　薪と猫いて　雪とける
noki no ue maki to neko ite yuki tokeru

Issa　original
小庇の薪と猫と雪解哉 　　一茶
kobisashi ni maki to neko to yukige kana

sakuo　image
At the beginning of spring,
The firewood became small volume. The cat is under sunshine. Everything has been looking for spring.
Of course, Issa too!!

blown to home village

blownto the window


David English
blown to the window
again
little butterfly

-Issa, 1804
42 years old, live in Edo, getting new haiku friends in Natume's group.
And Nakamura and other haiku friends had come to Edo from Kasihabara, his home village.

Sakuo Japanese
投げられる　窓に再び　小蝶かな
nage rareru mado ni futatabi kotyou kana

Issa Original
又窓へ吹もどさるる小てふ哉
mata mado e fuki-modosaruru ko chô kana

http://cat.xula.edu/issa/searchissa.php?haiku_id=166.03a

sakuo image
A little butterfly is Issa who has leaved from his native village
long before and has stayed in Edo. At this time he has struggled
with his father’s asset.
How often he has got back to Kashihabara.

Happy, happy !

plum in full bloom


David English
plum in full bloom--
a house without sake
can't be found

-Issa year unknown

Sakuo Japanese
梅満開　酒なき家は　見当たらず　
Ume mankai sake nai ie ha miatara zu

Issa Original
梅満り酒なき家はなき世也 　
ume miteri sake naki ie wa naki yo nari

David comment
Shinji Ogawa helped me to understand the syntax of this haiku. He offers his own translation:

Sakuo image
It was spring night. Issa stands in full of plum blooming.
The air is full with smell of the flowers.
The still sound of talking and singing are coming.
All happiness is filled in this world.

It is nice to look young Wife !

heat shimmers


David English
heat shimmers--
in the threshold crushing
hair lice

-Issa, 1815
53 years old. On last year he has got his father's asset and married with Kiku.
September he went to Edo to publish his poem book. and being to Bosyu for visiting his haiku friends. come back to his village on December.

Sakuo Japanese
陽炎や　軒ばで　つぶす　毛のしらみ

Issa　Original
陽炎や敷居でつぶす髪虱 一茶
kagerô ya shikii de tsubusu kami-jirami

Sakuo　remark
This haiku is about his young wife named Kiku,
who is innocently at crushing lice in sunny room.
Are you happy, Mr Issa ?

All is Spring, me too !

parent sparrows



David English
parent sparrows
baby sparrows...
a happy mountain

-Issa, 1812

Sakuo Japanese
親つばめ　子燕山も　幸せよ
Oya suzume ko suzume yama mo siawase yo

Issa Original
親雀 子雀 山もいさむぞよ 一茶
oya suzume ko suzume yama mo isamu zo yo

Comment
Literally, Issa says that the mountain is in "high spirits," "emboldened," or "inspired."

Sakuo remark
Sparrows and mountain are all inspired in fine spring day.

Begger Issa will go to New sect !

the Twelfth Month singers


David English
the Twelfth Month singers
don't turn around and look...
Sumida River

-Issa, 1806
44 years old. Lived in Edo

sakuo Japanese
節気ぞろ　振り向きもせず　隅田川
Settuki zoro fur imuki mo sezu sumida-gawa

Isaa Original
節季候の見むきもせぬや角田川
sekizoro no mimuki mose nu ya sumida-gawa

David Comment
Sekizoro refers to a Twelfth Month custom in which strolling singers wandered from town to town, singing festive celebration songs; Kiyose (Tokyo: Kakugawa Shoten, 1984) 348. Shinji Ogawa adds, "They covered their mouths like ladies in the Arab countries. They usually consisted of three or four persons with some types of musical instruments

sakuo image
Sumida-gawa flows through the Katusika district. Issa has belonged to the same named haiku sect.
Now is year end and New year will come soon, like Kisetu zoro, I will leave from the old sect and will go to new sponcer.

Mr Toad, you are Great !

fifth month rain


David English
fifth month rain--taking his seat on a rock toad

-Issa, 1818
56 years old, stay in Sinano. first daughter was born on May.

sakuo Japanese
五月雨や　岩に座つた　蝦蟇
samidare ya iwa ni suwatta hikigaeru

Issa　Original
五月雨や石に坐を組む引がえる
samidare ya ishi ni za wo kumu hikigaeru

sakuo remark
[za wo kumu] is [ siting down to do Zazen, for getting stablity of mind] Issa always feel toad as being phiｌosophical existance.
" Mr toad you are great "

It's me, the first one!

the first one through


David English
the first one throug his the swallow...hoop of reeds

-Issa, 1814
52 years old, On February the settlement of father's asset has been decided, he got his share. On April he marred with Kiku. On August went to Edo for preparation of retirement.

sakuo Japanese
一番は　つばくろ　なるぞ　茅の輪かな
itiban ha tubakuro naru zo ti no wa kana

Issa　Original
一番に乙鳥のくぐるちのわ哉
ichiban ni tsubame no kuguru chinowa kana

David　Comment
This haiku refers to a hoop made out of miscanthus reed, used for a summer purification ritual. If one passes through it, one is protected from infectious diseases. See Maruyama Kazuhiko, Issa haiku shû (Tokyo: Iwanami Shoten, 1990; rpt. 1993) 214, note 1116. In this case, the swallow flies through first.

sakuo　remark
At this time , Issa has climbed up at the top of happiness.
Issa thought that I must to be the first one
who pass through the hoop of reeds,
for escaping from many kind of disease,
because I have gain happiness after long effort

The swallow is embodiment of himself.
God save me !!

Don't work too much !

don't get hoarse


David English
don't get hoarse katydid! tomorrow is autumn too

-Issa year unknown.

sakuo Japanese
かすれるな　声　きりぎりす　明日も秋
kasureru na koe kirigirisu asu mo aki

Issa Original
きりぎりす声をからすな翌も秋
kirigirisu koe wo karasu na asu mo aki

sakuo remark
I remind Toyota's press and PR presentation on this May. They announced the best final accounts in their history. Toyota is Japanese
automoble manufacturer.
There comes this ironical haiku of Issa.

Peacefull moment !

nightingale


David English
nightingale--in a floating world nook　ripened barley

-Issa, 1810
48 years old, live in Edo,On April Dear Kakyou [ female haiku friend in Futtu ]died.
Without knowing of this happening , on May he returned to home village for the negotiation of father's asset. Soon come back to Edo. On June he went to Futtu for visiting Kakyou's grave.

sakuo Japanese
鶯や　浮世の小部屋　熟れし麦
uguisu ya ukiyo no kobeya uresi mugi

Issa　Original
鶯やうき世の隅も麦の秋 一茶
uguisu ya ukiyo no sumi mo mugi no aki

Comment
Mugi is a generic term that refers to several grains:
wheat, barley, oats, and rye.
Issa uses "floating world" (ukiyo) in the old Buddhist sense:
the world is temporary and imperfect.

sakuo Image
Issa is traveling. He comes to small mountain village.
There is barley field that is very rich.He heared
nightingale singing.
It was peacefull scene.

Good by to all

titmice split


David English
the titmice split to the left and right...Yashima Island

-Issa year unknown

sakuo Japanese
左　右　がらの　飛び立つ　屋島かな
hidari migi gara no　tobi tatu yasima kana

Issa Original
山雀も左右へ別るる八島哉
yamagara mo sau e wakaruru yashima kana

sakuo　image
Issa stand on a boart, looking many little islands.
Small birds suddenly fly up to the air.
I think it is a farwell poem, Issa would like to say
good by to the scene.

Powerfull Bush Clover !!

down and dirty


David English
down and dirty just as is...bush clover blooms

-Issa, 1807
55 years old. married at 52 years old with Kiku, next year he get first son but soon died. From January to June stayed in Edo, and returned to Kashiwabara.

sakuo Japanese
落ちよごれ　丁度そのまま　萩咲きぬ
oti yogore tyoudo sono mama hagisaki nu

Issa Original
きたないといふまま萩の咲にけり　
kitanai to iu mama hagi no saki ni keri

Checking kigo of Bush Clover and similar haikus.
After all those haiku's characters are as follow.
They are symbol of autumn and the mide of autumn.
They are combined with deer , dog ,cat and kitten.
The flowers are used for sleeping, hiding, covering and blocking .

sakuo　remark
what kind of real mean is hidden in this haiku ? There is nothing .This haiku only describe mid-autumn and power of survival of bush clover.

Don't mind, I did it !

rain splashing


David English
rain splashing
the morning-glories...
my pillow

-Issa, 1818
56 years old, stay in Sinano. first daughter was born on May.

Issa 　Original
朝顔をざぶとぬらして枕哉 一茶
asagao wo zabu to nurashite makura kana

David comment
Much is left for the reader's imagination in this haiku. "Rain" is not literally mentioned but is implied. Also, the word, "pillow" (makura), suggests the poet's posture: he lies indoors with head on pillow, seeing or thinking about the morning-glories outside in the rain.

sakuo's Drama
I think [zabu to] is not rain ,because [zabu to] means a lot of water that would be a bucket of water.
It was hot in summer morning. Issa waked up early and watched the morning-glories weakened, so he back to the bed and said to his wife "Kiku"
Why didn't you give water to the flowers. Hearing it Kiku
hurried to get up and splashed water to the morning-glories ,
that had been deformed with a lot of water.
Without a word she got into bed.
And husband Issa made this haiku.
He　has　room in his heart at this time.

sakuo English
splashing water
on the morning-gloriesback
to the pillow

Nobody like Me !

field by my hut


David English
field by my hut--
no thank-you offering
for the scarecrow

-Issa, 1813
５１ years old, On January the thirteen memorial party of his father's death , the negotiation of father's asset has finished. Many times he visited haiku friend in North Sinano. On June and July he was ill in bed for blotch .

sakuo Japanese
我畠や　助け断る　案山子哉
waga hata ya tasuke kotowaru kagasi kana

Issa　Original
庵の畠かがし納もなかりけり
io no hata kagashi osame mo nakari keri

David comment
Literally, Issa doesn't identify the hut or scarecrow as his, but this seems to be the implication.Shinji Ogawa explains that kagashi osame "is a ceremony to show appreciation for the scarecrow's efforts by offering some food and sake on the Tenth Day of Tenth Month of the lunar calendar." This ceremony, he adds, was "observed especially in Issa's province of Shinano, present-day Nagano Prefecture."

sakuo remark
After long struggle with his brother's family, Issa has got father's asset.But his neighbours were all his brother's side. Scarecrow's offering for the harvest was not in his field,that means nobody celebrated his success on the asset negotiation.

Pity turtles, Me too !

in the long day


David English
in the long day they eat, they don't eat pond turtles

-Issa, 1812
50 years old, lived in Edo, leaving out on November tohis home village for dwelling eternally there.It needs more two year to getting his share of father's asset

sakuo Japanese
長き日を　食うや食わずや　池の亀
nagaki hi wo kuu ya kuwazu ya ike no kame

Issa Original
永の日を喰やくわずや池の亀
naga no hi wo kû ya kuwazu ya ike no kame

David comment
In a prescript for this haiku, Issa writes that he visited a pond at Shinobu, where he watched the turtles begging for handouts. It must be painful for them, he mused, to live so long in this "world of suffering";According to Jean Cholley, Issa sees himself in the hungry turtles;

colour sectionalism ！

white versus yellow


David English
white versus yellow--the butterflies wrestle too

-Issa, 1820
58 years old, on October second son born. fall over and was smitten by palsy ,but lightly. wrote haiku literatures.

sakuo Japanese
白と黄　　蝶も同じく　掴み合い
siro to ki tyou mo onajiku tukami ai

Issa Original
白黄色　蝶も組合　したりけり
shiro kiiro chô mo kumiai shitari keri

David Comment
Kumiai in modern Japanese means to form an association,
but in earlier times it meant to wrestle; see Kogo dai jiten
(Shogakukan 1983) 520. Issa's satirical message seems clear:
the butterflies fighting enemies of different color are
behaving in a sadly human fashion.

sakuo remark
Colour can express deferent sect on various human activities.
And man fight among each colours.
In present time , we put " tokku" at front of " kumiai" ,,,,then
combined "tokkumiai" means to wrestle.

gentle as O-take san !

baby sparrow


David English
baby sparrowis O-Take Buddhaat the sink

-Issa, 1817
55 years old. married at 52 years old with Kiku, next year he get first son but soon died. From January to June stayed in Edo, and returned to Kashiwabara.

sakuo Japanese
小雀や　お竹佛の　台所に
ko suzume ya otake butu no daidoko ni

Issa Original
雀子やお竹如来の流し元 一茶
suzumego ya otake nyorai no nagashimoto

Comment
R.H. Blyth explains that "O-Take Buddha" refers to a servant who was legendary for being frugal, never throwing away a single grain of rice. The baby sparrow at the sink is eating crumbs, much like its namesake. See Haiku (Tokyo: Hokuseido, 1949-1952; rpt. 1981-1982/reset paperback edition) 2.523.

sakuo image
Issa is so gentle that he look a little sparrow as like O-take san with warm his eyes.

baby or young girl ?

chin on hands


David English
chin on handsa face like Kannon'sin willow shade

-Issa, 1820
58 years old, on October second son born. fall over and was smitten by palsy ,but lightly. wrote haiku literatures.

sakuo Japanese
顎に手を　観音顔　や　柳陰
ago ni te wo kannon kao ya yanagi kage

Issa　Original
頬杖は観音顔や柳かげ 一茶
hohozue wa kannon kao ya yanagi kage

Comment
Kannon is the Buddhist goddess of mercy.

sakuo remark
At this time Issa himself was attacked by several disease. And He lost his wife and children in this term.
Who is Kannon like face ? Is it his children ? Or his wife, Or some one in his imagination?
I suppose it is not baby but young girl that is suggested by willow.
Who is she ??

How sad Issa was !

it's a dewdrop world


David English
it's a dewdrop worldsurely it is...yes... but...

-Issa, 1817
55 years old. married at 52 years old with Kiku, next year he get first son but soon died. From January to June stayed in Edo, and returned to Kashiwabara.

sakuo Japanese
露の世や　さはさりながら　さりながら
tuyu no yo ya saha sari nagara sari nagara

Issa　Original
露の世は　得心ながら　さりながら
tsuyu no yo wa tokushin nagara sari nagara

Comment
This haiku was written on the one-year anniversary of the death of Issa's firstborn child, the boy Sentarô. It has a one-word prescript: "Grieving." According to Buddhist teaching, life is as fleeting as a dewdrop and so one should not grow attached to the things of this world. Issa's response

sakuo comment
How sad Issa was !!
David san translation is good haiku that make me feel just like JapaneseIssa's original.

Thanks, entrusting man !

guard my hut's key


David English
guard my hut's key pine tree!going moon gazing

-Issa, 1819
57 years old. wrote [ oraga haru-- my spring ]. On June first daughter died.

sakuo Japanese
庵の鍵　守る松の木　月を見る
iho no kagi mamoru matu no ki tuki wo miru

Issa　Original
庵のかぎ松にあづけて月見哉
io no kagi matsu ni azukete tsukimi kana

sakuo image
Issa entrust all management of his estate to his uncle of his mother's side.The uncle was so reliable that Issa could enjoy his haiku touring to Shinano and Edo. Perhaps Issa made this haiku on his travel, thanking to his uncle and hiswife ,Kiku.

This world is sever ! Toad !

morning cold


David English
morning cold--the toad too has eyeswide as saucers

-Issa, 1805
43 years old , vivid activity at Edo with Seibi who was rich and famous amateur haikuist at that time.

sakuo Japanese
朝寒や　蛙目をむく　皿のよう
asa samu ya kaeru mewo muku sara no you

Issa Original
朝寒や蟾も眼を皿にして
asa samu ya hiki mo manako wo sara ni shite

Comment
In modern pronunciation, the opening phrase is asazamu; Issa would have pronounced it, asa samu. "Eyes like saucers" (manako wo sara ni shite) is a Japanese expression for eyes opened wide with surprise.

sakuo remark
Toad , a countryman, Mr Issa !
This morning cold.This is Sever World !!

Please give me ! half of Asset

spring rain


David English
spring rain--showing a sake cup calling foxes

-Issa, 1810
48 years old, live in Edo,On April Dear Kakyou [ female haiku friend in Futtu ] ,with whom Issa had pleasant kukai meeting on March of last year, died.Without knowing of this happening , on May he returned to home village for the negotiation of father's asset. Soon come back to Edo. On June he went to Futtu for visiting Kakyou's grave.

sakuo Japanese
春雨や　杯見せて　きっね呼ぶ
haru same ya sakazuki mise te kitune yobu

Issa　Original
春雨や盃見せて狐よぶ
harusame ya sakazuki misete kitsune yobu

Comment
In Japanese folklore the fox is a powerful spirit. Here, someone has set out an offering of sake and is calling for a "lucky" fox.

sakuo image
This is scene of Inari Shrine (Fox shrine). I suppose that Issa has prayed his Lucky to the Fox God,asking good success on his negotiation of his father's asset.

If eating the blossoms, I am hungry

blossoms piled high--


David English
blossoms piled high--a blizzard in the dog's bowl

-Issa, 1808
46 years old. Last year end returned to home village for father's asset negotiation. On June in Kashihabara again, attended to Grand mother's 33 th Buddha ceremony.On November Having settled the negotiation with his half brother. On December , returned to Edo, his residence has been occupied by others unknown.

sakuo Japanese
花びらの　積もるや吹雪　犬の椀
hanabira no tumoru ya fubuki inu no wan

Issa Original
山盛の花の吹雪や犬の椀
yamamori no hana no fubuki ya inu no wan

sakuo remark
This scene is great beauty but dog can not eat the blossom.The Dog is hungry in the blizzard of flower.Issa were watching it, he is also hungry, feel so sad !

Katsushika,,, my disfavour !

in Katsushika


David English
in Katsushikalike old times, unchanged...Doll Festival

-Issa, 1804
42 years old, live in Edo, getting new haiku friends in Natume's group.And Nakamura and other haiku friend had come to Edo from Kasihabara, his home village.

sakuo Japanese
葛飾や　昔変らぬ　雛祭り
katusika ya mukashi kawaranu hinamaturi

Issa　Original
かつしかや昔のままの雛哉
katusika ya mukashi no mama no hiina kana

Sakuo Comment
I have watched two of the similar haiku related to Katushika
made in 1804.

かつしかやどこに住でも時鳥
katsushika ya doko ni sunde mo hototogisu
you even live herein Katsushika!cuckoo　　　　　　　　　　1804

かつしかや遠く降っても秋の雨
katsushika ya tôku futte mo aki no ame
in Katsushikafalling in the distance...autumn rain　　　　　　　　1804

They have all same tone that express Issa's disfavour to this district　of　Katsushika .I think Katushika is not the name of place but the sect's nameof haiku. At this time he has been moving from Katsushika-sect to Natume group. The former was traditional but too conservative.Issa had trouble with this sect .

Longing for my home !

pleasant rushing


David English
pheasant rushing on the mountain, missing his darling wife

-Issa, 1812
50 years old, lived in Edo, leaving out on November tohis home village for dwelling eternally there.It needs more two year to getting his share of father's asset

sakuo Japanese
雉駆ける　山を恋いしき　いとし妻
kiji kakeru yama wo koisiki itosi tuma

Issa Original
走る雉山や恋しき妻ほしき
hasiru kiji yama ya koishiki tuma hoshiki

He was pheasant like. He was going over the age of 50.
He has been longing to return to his home village.

Hug Sato !

giving her dolls


David English
giving her dollsa good talking-to...the child

-Issa, 1822
60 years old, On March the third son born, On August injured by slipping on the road, wrote the books of haiku.

sakuo Japanese
ひなやれば　話し掛けてる　子供かな
hina yare ba hanasi kakeru ya kodomo kana

Issa Original
雛達に話し　しかける子ども哉
hina-tachi ni hanasi shikakeru kodomo kana

Comment
This haiku refers to the Doll Festival, the third day of Third Month.

sakuo remark
The child is his Sato. How cute did Issa feel her !

watching the river


David English
watching the river through window of trees...spring rain falls

-Issa, 1804
42 years old, live in Edo, getting new haiku friends of Natume's group.And Nakamura and other haiku friend had come to Edo from Kasihabara, his home village.

sakuo Japanese
川眺がむ　木々の窓から　春の雨
kwa nagamu kigi no mado kara haru no ame

Issa Original
川見ゆる木の間の窓や春の雨
kawa miyuru ko no ma no mado ya haru no ame

sakuo image
Issa has been staying at Nagare-yama where his rich sponsor ,Akimoto lived. He always become easy during stay at there.The river flowed with full of water in Spring rain.Issa saw the scene through the mansion's window that made it more painterly .

If alive, 11, 7, and 5 years old

at the shrine


David English
at the shrine children sumo wrestlers...autumn wind

-Issa, 1827
65 years old. On June big fire attacked his village, his house was burned. He went arround his pupils with word blindness by paralysis .On August, his haiku board was displayed at Kan-non-Ji, Temple.
On September the roof was reformed. On 8th November he died.

sakuo Japanese
みやしろ　で　子供の相撲　秋の風
miyasiro de kodomo no sumou akino kaze

sakuo image
His three sons , if they had been alive ,　they would be each at 11, 7, 5 years old. He must have reminded them , looking children Sumo.

Issa Original
神前に子供相撲や　秋の風 一茶
shin zen ni kodomo sumou ya akino kaze

Hot day, hot day after ill !

at my hut


David English
at my huteven the grass this summerlost weight

-Issa, 1816
54 years old, 2 year before, after getting father's asset, married with Kiku.On April first son born, soon died.
On July at Naganuma, he become ill. On Octber went to Edo,
shaved his head hair. He went around Bousyu district for
the greeting of farewell. as well as he published memorial book as retirement.

sakuo Jpanese
わが庵に　夏草さえも　軽きかな
waga iho ni natukusa sae mo karuki kana

Issa　Original
我庵は草も夏痩したりけり
waga iho wa kusa mo natuyase shitari keri

sakuo image
The grass lost weight as well as me too. On July he was ill
at Naganuma. So he has painfull time in this summer hot days.

Issa site

The Capital , even bagger can !

kyoto--


David English
Kyoto--even under bridgesdriking away the year

-Issa, 1819
57 years old. wrote [ oraga haru-- my spring ].
On June first daughter died.

sakuo Japanese
都では　橋の下でも　酔って越す
miyako de ha hasino sita demo youte kosu

Issa Original
都哉橋の下にも年わすれ
miyako kana hashi no sita nimo tosi wasure

sakuo remark
Even beggar enjoy year end party in Kyoto, the Capital.

Issa　site

Everybody haiku, everybody Basho !

matsushima--


David English
Matsushima--from yonder isleanother lark

-Issa, 1818
56 years old, stay in Sinano. first daughter was born on May.

sakuo Japanese
松島や向こうの島より また雲雀
matusima ya mukouno sima yori mata hibari

Issa Original
松島やあちの松から又雲雀
matusima ya achi no matsu kara mata hibari

sakuo remark
This haiku is comical, ironical and contains a little cheap joke.
Issa ,of couse, did critical thinking on Basho 's Matusima.
I feel in this haiku Issa's self-confidence at this time.
Good haiku, I love it.

Issa site

Teeth, eyes and more one !

teeth to harden


David English
teeth to harden this New Year's meal...not even one

-Issa Year unknown

sakuo Japanese
歯固めの　新年の食事　一つなし
hagatame no sinnen no syokuji hitotu nasi

Issa Original
かたむべき歯は一本も　なかりけり
katamu beki ha ippon mo nakari keri

Similar haiku　of teeth hardening
人真似に歯茎がための豆腐哉
imitating others hardening their teeth tofu for me

David Comment
The "for me" has been added. Issa is referring to the New Year's tooth-hardening meal. He (or someone) is toothless and so must resort to tofu for the occasion.

sakuo Question
I don't know and don't hear the custom of teeth hardening.
That would be done on the New Year's meal.
Issa has lost all his teeth at the age of 50 years old . The last tooth has been lost at Futtu .Issa wrote this haiku with his sneering at himself.

Issa site

Thank you, thank you !

the dog


David English
the dog makes way for me...snowy road

-Issa, 1822
60 years old, On March the third son born, On August injured by slipping on the road, wrote the books of haiku.

sakuo Japanese
その犬がわれに譲りし雪の道
sono inu ga ware ni uzurisi yuki no miti

Issa Original
犬どもが　よけてくれけり雪の道
inu domo ga yokete kure keri yuki no michi

sakuo image
Several dogs make a way for Issa who has trouble to walk because of brain infarction.On the snow way, how pleased is Issa !! Tears drop !

Issa site

Masseur how cold it is !

a flute trills


David English
a flute trillsa cane click-clacks...winter moon

-Issa, 1816
53 years old, a year before, after getting father's asset, married with Kiku.He decided to settle down in the home village and went around Bousyu district for the greeting of farewell. as well as he published memorial book as retirement.

sakuo Japanese
笛ひょろり　杖ことことや　冬の月
fue hyorori tue koto koto ya fuyu no tuki

Issa Original
笛ぴいぴい杖もかちかち冬の月
fue　pii-pii tue mo katch-kachi fuyu no tuki

sakuo Imagination
this is the haiku of masseur in cold Winter night.He is walking with a flute for asking customers and a cane for radar .It was too cold that the sound of flute hears in high tone. Very cold tune !

Issa site

Hey ! Samurai trying night fishing !

night fishing


David English
night fishing--on St. Jizo's lapa short sword

-Issa, 1813
５１ years old, On January the thirteen memorial party of his father's death , the negotiation of father's asset has finished. Many times he visited haiku friend in North Sinano. On June and July he was ill in bed for blotch
.
sakuo Japanese
夜釣りする　地蔵の膝に　短剣を
yozuri suru jizou no hiza ni tanken　wo

Issa Original
川狩りや　地蔵のひざの小脇差
kawagari ya jizou no hiza no ko wakizasi

David Comment
The fisherman, a samurai, has left his short sword on the lap of Jizô, creating an odd and poignant juxtaposition: weapon of war, bodhisattva of mercy. Jizô is the beloved guardian deity of children. See my essay, "Not Your Ordinary Saint: Jizô in the Haiku of Issa".

sakuo Remark
Samurai should not product food. He is prohibited to leave his sword away. So it was curious to see his catching fishes, putting his sword on Jizou's lap. Issa like to make ironical haiku that laugh at dominant class.
This is comical haiku as Issa's favore.

Issa site

Sato, My dear !

looking for the bead


David English
looking for the beadof dew she pinched...a child

-Issa, 1819
57 years old. wrote [ oraga haru-- my spring ]. On June first daughter died.

sakuo Japanese
探しおる　露珠つまみし　あの子哉
sagasi oru tuyudama tumamisi anoko kana

Issa Original
露の玉つまんで見たるわらべ哉
tsuyu no tama tsumande mitaru warabe kana

sakuo　image
She is Sato , Issa's first daughter who has died on this June. She was two years old, laughing ! speaking ! she was realy Issa's pleasure. How was he sad !!

Issa site

My little spring has come !

though feedly


David English
though feebly the beggar's rape flowers also have bloomed

-Issa, 1812
50 years old, lived in Edo, leaving out on November tohis home village for dwelling eternally there.It needs more two year to getting his share of father's asset

sakuo Japanese
細々と乞食の花も咲きにけり
hoso-boso to kojiki no hana mo saki　ni　keri

Issa　Original
ほのぼのと乞食の小菜も咲きにけり
hono-bono to kojiki no ona mo saki ni keri

David Comment
Perhaps the "beggar" is Issa, who liked to call himself, "Shinano Province's Chief Beggar." Rape (or canola) is a bright yellow flowering plant of Asia.

sakuo imagination
Beggar would be Issa . In Edo he called himself as beggar, At this time he could have hope to return home village. So he has got peace in his mind.

Issa site

It's Me, the Old snake !

the old snake


David English
the old snake toward the Western Paradise enters his hole

-Issa, 1821
59 years old. on January his second son died on his mother's back. On April his wife got sick of gout . At Zenkou-ji , the biggest Temple of Jyoudo Buddhist, his haiku board was displayed. His effort has been admitted in the area of north Sinano province.

sakuo Japanese
古蛇の浄土に向かい穴に入る
furu hebi no jyoudo ni mukai anani iru

Issa Original
古蛇やはや西方の穴に入る
furu hebi ya haya seihou no ana ni iru

David　Comment
In Pure Land Buddhism, Paradise (the Pure Land) exists somewhere in the mythic west. The snake is going the right direction for rebirth in the Pure Land.

sakuo image
Old snake is old Issa whose haiku-board has been displayed at Zenkou-Ji , the most famous Temple of Joudo Buddhist .He had many good haiku friends in Shinano province. Also he had wife , house and farm that are symbolized as snake hole.He would say that my destination has been decided to make my own style Haiku.

Issa site

lined frogs and my children

with grave seriousness


David English
with grave seriousness frogs line up too...evening's purificatio

Issa 1821
59 years old. on January his second son died on his mother's back. On April his wife got sick of gout . At Zenkou-ji , the biggest Temple of Jyoudo Buddhist, his haiku board was displayed. His effort has been admitted in the area of north Sinano province.

sakuo Japanese
sinmyou ni kaeru narabu ya kure no kyou

Issa Original
しかつめに蛙も並んで夕はらい
sikatube ni kawazu mo narande yu harai

sakuo imagination
This is serious ritual of purification . Near a shrine a paper boat is put on the water. The frogs are watching in line up.
I believe that,Issa has supposed if his three children have been alive, they would line up too and watch the boats of purification, as like the frogs are doing.

Issa site