Haiku has a unique ability to capture the essence of a moment, distilling it into a few carefully chosen words. The beauty of nature often serves as a muse for haiku poets, and among the many subjects that inspire these concise verses, birds hold a special place. In this collection of bird haiku, we embark on a journey through the poetic landscapes crafted by masters such as Bashō, Issa, and Buson
Matsuo Bashō
“The eyes of the hawks
are now dimmed,”
quails sing
The voice
of the cuckoo
slants over the water
The warbler
dropped his hat—
a camellia
The warbler
amid the bamboo shoots
sings of old age
Bashō’s haiku, while often brief, encapsulate profound truths about the natural world and the human experience. His ability to distill complex emotions and observations into a few carefully chosen words is a testament to the enduring power of haiku as a poetic form. Each haiku invites readers to immerse themselves in the delicate beauty and wisdom of the world, as seen through the keen eyes and poetic soul of Matsuo Bashō.
More Bird Haiku
Trampling on clouds,
inhaling the mist,
the skylark soars
—SHIKI
The cuckoo
with a single song
has established summer
—RYŌTA
Domestic ducks
stretch their necks
hoping to see the world
—KŌJI
As dew drips
gently, gently, the dove
murmurs its chant
—ISSA
The cuckoo calls— a
nd the waters of the lake
cloud over a little
—JŌSŌ
The cuckoo—
flies and insects,
listen well!
—ISSA
“It’s much too long a day,”
opening its mouth
a crow
—ISSA
Sudden shower—
clutching the blades of grass
a flock of sparrows
—BUSON
Give me back my dream! a
crow has wakened me
to misty moonlight
—ONITSURA
The first goose
seeking its own sky
in the dusk
—SHIRŌ
In these bird haiku, the poets invite us to witness the intricate dance of nature through the eyes of feathered creatures. Each haiku is a snapshot, a fleeting moment frozen in time, allowing us to appreciate the delicate balance and interconnectedness of the natural world. From the soaring skylark to the quail’s melancholic song, these verses celebrate the beauty, wisdom, and diversity found in the avian realm, inviting readers to take a moment to pause, observe, and marvel at the harmonies in flight.
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