In December 2015, I followed a set of haiku prompts at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai based on Basho’s travelogue “Oku no Hosomichi”, hosted by Kristjaan Panneman. I’ve compiled my responses along with some new haiku and prose into a collection I call ‘On the Rough Road‘ As I say in the introduction: “Bashō set off … Continue reading On the Rough Road
no answers yet no questions I return empty *** gibbous moon see how radiant almost *** the wind that brushes my lips drifts away I with it Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) concludes. From Tsuruga, Basho travels to Ogaki, where a joyful reunion with … Continue reading Almost
then I remembered how the twilight curls around your fragile wrist *** everything is bearable except this silence that swallows your name *** all my journeys all my poems awash in this wordless dusk Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. From Fukui, Basho travels … Continue reading Wordless Dusk
like a horizon splitting two worlds this goodbye *** now what does it matter that the blue moon will rise tomorrow *** the goodbye fallen between us whose is it now Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. At Maruoka, Basho expresses sadness at parting with yet … Continue reading Say Goodbye
my fickle companion shrinks again- even my shadow seems indisposed *** wearing her dancing shoes one breathless leaf waits for the autumn breeze *** now my sentences fall unfinished on this solitary road Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. Basho expresses his loneliness after … Continue reading Solitary Road
why search for words- when the frozen moonlight sings aloud for us *** how low the night bows to her kohl-lined eyes *** rainbows dissolve as the sky slides down to watch the peacocks dance Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. At the Yamanaka … Continue reading Frozen Moonlight
dawn sky why does the sickle moon still hang over the cherry blossoms *** interrupting the bulbul’s dirge one love-struck toad I *** farewell kiss on dawn’s glowing cheek a dark smudge Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. Marvelling at the beauty of the … Continue reading Farewell Kiss
chattering leaves how long is their story *** last monsoon cloud weeps on a rocky shoulder soft rain Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. On the road to Kanazawa, Basho remarks on the presence of autumn, despite the indifferent sun… a reminder of the changing … Continue reading Chattering Leaves
after the comma sadly nothing *** there in another unmarked grave- another unfinished poem *** mourning- the way the sky brushes a broken wing Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. Crossing the many rapids of he River Kurobe, past fragrant paddy fields, Basho reaches … Continue reading Mourning
sharing the blanket of night we sleep under different stars *** in the warm night air fragrance of the desert rose- who sighs so sweet Linked to Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, where Basho’s journey to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) continues. Reaching the Ichiburi Barrier, Basho is distressed to find that in the next … Continue reading Desert Rose
THOUGHT PURGE 