This Translation First Published 1985

Basho’s On Love and Barley was my 8th book for The Classics Club Challenge.

Basho was a Zen Buddhist monk and poet in 17th Century Japan. While most of his haiku focused on nature, it also reflected what he saw on his travels and occasionally thoughts on the human condition. 

Basho’s haiku are exquisite jewels.

His understanding of human nature transcends time.

For instance:

In my new robe

this morning – 

someone else

In addition to the poetry, the copy of the book I had included an introduction by his translator, Lucien Stryk, which gives details of Basho’s life, as well as an introduction to the form of Haiku. I found it interesting, but don’t know that it changed my ability to enjoy the actual poetry.

At the end of the book there are notes linked to some of the Haiku. Some of those notes enhanced my appreciation of the poetry because small points changed my understanding of what I was reading. 

An example of this is Haiku 38.

Boozy on blossoms –

dark rice,

white sake.

The notes informed me that dark rice and white sake were both indications of poverty. Knowing that changes the way I perceive the lines. 

The book also contains beautiful reproductions of artwork by Taiga from the British Museum. 

I could have finished this book in a couple of hours, but I preferred to read more slowly. One or two Haiku at a time so that I could take time to savor the words and images.