Notes About The Poem
For: A New Etheree Poem Any Theme Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Tania Kitchin

old pond/a frog jumps into/the sound of water
~ haiku by Matsuo Basho, Translated by Jane Reichhold

By The Old Pond

Life
calling
can be heard,
like the still frog 
contemplating sound
or the absence of sound;
does it jump into water 
or into the sound of water
when it jumps because there is no sound,
no companionship there by the old pond?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Kitchin Avatar
March 2, 2025 at 5:50 AM
Chetta, a creative poem, nicely done, congratulations on your winning placement.
Achara Avatar
March 2, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Thank you.
Brotherton Avatar
February 21, 2025 at 1:45 PM
A unique and creative etheree to this haiku. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
Achara Avatar
February 22, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Thank you. Basho's frog pond is my favorite haiku. It was fun writing a poem based on it.
Greenhough Avatar
February 20, 2025 at 9:32 PM
The sounds of a pond are interesting. Your description of a frog pond is marvelous. I like the question it poses.
Achara Avatar
February 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Thank you.
Rodrigues Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM
He goes for the companionship of sound unless a haiku master happens to hear and impromptu write about it…like a shot heard round the world! Making a splash with your etheree.
Achara Avatar
February 20, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Thank ypu.
Eslinger Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Hi Chetta, s nice to meet you thru this marvelous invitation to leap into the mind of a frog, a step further & more intriguing than I’ve gone before, despite the many times i’ve imagined a frog at a pond’s edge. Must fave. Now unforgettable. Also will follow you. Blessings! sally
Achara Avatar
February 19, 2025 at 11:55 AM
I am happy you like raising poem. I love haiku when it's well written. Reichhold'a translation of Basho's frog pond is my absolute favotite!
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