Winter, with its silent beauty and hushed landscapes, has inspired countless haiku poets over the centuries. In this collection of winter haiku, the poets skillfully capture the essence of the season, reflecting the tranquility and profound connections found amidst the cold and quiet. Among the revered haiku masters, Dakotsu Iida, Masaoka Shiki, Buson, and others have left behind timeless verses that evoke the essence of winter’s poetry.
Dakotsu Iida (1885–1962)
The winter moon
trailing its white glow
leaves the mountain
—DAKOTSU
All in calmness —
the earth with half-opened eyes
moves into winter
— DAKOTSU
Dakotsu’s verses showcase his ability to find beauty and depth in the simple moments of nature during the winter season. Through his haiku, he encourages us to appreciate the quietude, serenity, and introspection that winter brings, inviting us to be present in the moment and find solace in its stillness.
Masaoka Shiki (1867–1902)
Red berries —
just one has fallen
frosty garden
— SHIKI
On the mandarin duck’s wings
a dust of snow —
such stillness!
— SHIKI
Shiki’s haiku demonstrate his commitment to the shasei (sketching from life) approach, where he keenly observed the world around him and translated those observations into poetry. Like many of Shiki’s works, these winter haiku encourage us to connect with the subtle nuances of nature and the introspective beauty of winter, reminding us to find wonder in the simplicity of life.
BUSON (1716–83)
Cold moon —
among the withered trees
three stalks of bamboo
— BUSON
Camphor-tree roots
silently soak in
the early winter rain
—BUSON
On a mandarin duck
its beauty is exhausted—
winter grove
—BUSON
Taking a nap
I hide within myself—
winter seclusion
—BUSON
Buson’s haiku exhibit his mastery in conveying profound insights through the simplicity of nature and human experience. They invite us to embrace the quiet beauty of winter, to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and its inherent contrasts, and to explore the depths of our inner selves during this introspective season.
Naitō Jōsō (1662 – 1704)
Wolves
are keening in harmony —
snowy evening
— JŌSŌ
In the eyes of the hawk
over the withered fields
sits the winter storm
—JŌSŌ
Colder than snow
on my white hair—
the winter moon
—JŌSŌ
Jōsō’s haiku convey the deeper emotions and connections within the winter landscape, emphasizing the harmony and resonance between the natural world and the human experience. They encourage readers to reflect on the mysteries and stillness of winter, fostering an appreciation for the intricate interplay of life and nature during this serene season.
Matsuo Bashō (1644 -1694)
Withered by winter
one-colored world—
the sound of wind
—BASHŌ
How amusing,
it may change into snow—
the winter rain
—BASHŌ
Winter sun—
frozen on horseback
is my shadow
—BASHŌ
Bashō’s haiku are not only reflective of the physical elements of winter but also of the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the season. These verses invite readers to contemplate the subtleties and surprises that winter brings, to marvel at the transformation of the ordinary into the extraordinary, and to find wisdom in the complexities of nature and human existence during this contemplative time of year.
More Winter Haiku
No talents
also no sins—
winter seclusion
—ISSA
New garden stones
settling down —
first winter rain
— SHADŌ
Without a companion,
abandoned in the fields
winter moon
— ROSEKI
Coming to the sea
the winter wind has no place
to return
—SEISHI
Snow
falls on snow —
and remains silent
— SANTŌKA
Unable to wrap it
and dropping the moon—
the winter rain
—TOKOKU
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