Basho’s “first celebrate” – Choka – June 15, 2015

Giardino dell’Arena – Padua

confined in winter
are my heart’s withered blossoms
when once they were fresh
I celebrated life’s loves
time’s passing seasons
in this life never returns
once spring is gone
it’s only a memory
so celebrate now
the flowers of your young heart
be joyous in love
let not cold thoughts freeze you up
dance in the wind
give praise to the warm sun
so when winter comes
you can look back with a smile
remembering cherry blooms

© G.s.k. ‘15

mazu iwae ume o kokoro no fuyu-gomeri

first celebrate
the flowers in your heart
confined in winter

© Basho (Tr. Jane Reichhold)

Written for:  Carpe Diem Time Glass #31, Basho’s “first celebrate”