born a wanderer
through spring until the winter
seeking something new
© G.s.k. ‘15
this unknown path
I watch light and shadows play
one last time
© G.s.k. ‘15
Written for: Heeding Haiku with Chèvrefeuille
In this feature Chèvrefeuille introduces the jisei or death poem. It was common among Japanese poets (and in fact most aristocrats as well) to write a last poem on ones deathbed known as a jisei. It may have spoken of the poets life, his/her last vision or emotion, the object of the jisei was to be a farewell and culmination of ones life.
Here are some jisei of the famous classical haiku poet Matsuo Basho:
ill on a journey
my dreams start to wander
across desiccated fields
© Matsuo Basho (Tr. Chèvrefeuille)
And two examples by our host:
my dreams wander
along the path of my life …
Honeysuckle blooms
Honeysuckle blooms
sharing her sweet perfume
I dream away
© Chèvrefeuille
Gorgeous jisei — speechless.
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Thanks .. the story of my life in a haiku 😉
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I enjoyed how they depicted such a smooth transition, as if to say that it was just another step on a great journey.
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Which is how I see death Sonicseaweed.
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These are very compelling and quite beautiful. I really like the second one – it has a poignancy to it that really moves me.
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Thanks … I’m glad you enjoyed them … I too prefer the second one.
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I had not seen this post!! love them both…one, to me, is accepting death as a new journey and the second one is solemn wandering through the unknown. Les deux touchants!
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Thanks Cheryl-Lynn … a perfect interpretation of the haiku! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
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A very strong jisei Bastet, full of memories, emotions … and full of your spirit.
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Thanks Chèvrefeuille … a fine compliment for me!
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