My First Book of Haiku Poems by Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen

Author:Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) is the best known of all the poets whose haiku appear in this book, and most of these poets were influenced by his work. He lived during a time called the Edo period (1600-1868). In these years, Japan largely closed itself off from visitors and travel abroad, and depended on itself for everything, including poetry. It was a time when writers and artists were inspired by the beauty of their own country—its nature, and its people.

Bashō is famous for composing linked verses with his followers and friends. It is a form of poetry he especially loved. He is also famous for making long walking journeys through the countryside while composing poems, and for long periods of remaining alone. Between the two, he had the chance to observe nature and spend time in quiet thought. Those two things came together to help him write some of the best haiku in Japanese history.

Yosa Buson (1716–1784) was another great poet of the Edo period. He was famous for being both a painter and a poet, and he used his poems to describe the things he saw. He loved the art and poetry of China. He also loved the work of Bashō, and drew illustrations for Bashō’s best-known travel journal. After traveling in many parts of Japan to develop his arts, he settled down to live and teach in the city of Kyoto.

Kikkawa Gomei (1731–1803) lived in the time of Buson and Issa. Though he is not as well known today as other poets in this book, he was popular during his time, becoming known as one of the “four deva kings [of haikai]” in the North, and is said to have been a great teacher of poetry. His poems are included in Issa’s verse collection, Farewell Hat, from 1798.

Kobayashi Issa (1763-1828) wrote many of the poems that appear in this book. He, Bashō and Buson are known as the three great leaders of haikai. He suffered many losses in the first half of his life, and his sadness is reflected in some of his verses. Issa wrote over twenty thousand poems. While some of them are indeed sad, others are about the pleasures of nature and of observing children. Issa, whose name means “cup of tea,” is known for his verses about small things like fireflies and frogs and flowers. His poems have been popular through the years because of their gentleness, their humor and the simple way that they capture everyday things and moments.

Uejima Onitsura (1661–1738) showed a talent for poetry even when he was a child. It is said that he wrote the verse “Here, come here, I call/but the fireflies/blithely go their way,” included in this book, when he was only eight. Although born to a wealthy family, he devoted himself to poetry and philosophy. He believed that haiku should reflect everyday things and ordinary life—that it should be sincere and truthful, and speak to our hearts. Later in his life, Onitsura focused on his practice of Zen Buddhism.

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