Masaoka Shiki Poems

aiming at
deutzia blossoms
little cuckoo
...

at the full moon's
rising, the silver-plumed
reeds tremble
...

Fallen leaves
Come flying from elsewhere:
Autumn is ending.
...

hey!-even snake gourds
become Buddhas-
don't get caught behind!
...

the plaintain at the veranda's edge
unfolds its coiled leaves,
its jewels,
and veils the water basin
in five feet of green
...

fanning out its tail
in the spring breeze,
see—a peacock!
...

The singing stopped
a flying cicada
I saw it!
...

the sky draws near
such a bright sunrise
New Year's Day
...

the peony seems
to think itself Yokihi
as she awakes
...

The desolation of winter;
passing through a small hamlet,
a dog barks.
...