Nijuin: Earnest Desires

Composed on the occasion of the 5th Global Renku Memorial. Led by Tateshi Tsukamoto

earnest desires
astringent persimmons
begin to ripen

the bright full moon
beams down on Tosei’s hut

as the exhibition nears
a last touch
on the huge canvas

confectionary from home
its taste so subtle

* * * * * * * *

I adopt a cat
on the anniversary
of my dear dog’s death

calling Catherine
I embrace her every night

politics and man
that’s what he discusses,
she is drawn to him

on the river in flood
an election poster

at the camp site
the rustling of silver birch
soft and clear

kids squeal at ghost stories
on the sleeper train

* * * * * * * *

eeZee push cell phone
fighting–spirit-prize for
seniors’ club

filling the gold sake cup
with the best import ever

in flawless English
she talks non stop about
Ozu films

the old books sold
how spacious is the room

Sirius
comes face to face with the moon
in my dream

underneath the eaves
jeans frozen into shape

* * * * * * * *

Self Defense Forces
Aegis destroyers are
heading south

this morning a swallow
comes along with the postman

onto the cheek
of a sleeping infant
a single petal

gazing at the mountains
on a long dependable day

Composed on the 23rd September 2005
The Sekiguchi Basho-an, Tokyo.

Tosei: one of Basho's early pen names

Translations: consensual. Transcription and co-ordination: Eiko Yachimoto