Issa: Translations of the Oriental Master

Petals I amass with such tenderness prick me to the quick. ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch This world of dew is a world of dew indeed; and yet ... ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Standing beneath cherry blossoms who can be strangers? ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch An enormous frog! We stare at each other, both petrified. ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Skinny frog, hang on ... Issa to the rescue! ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Right at my feet! When did you arrive here, snail? ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch I toss in my sleep, so watch out, cricket! ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch In a better world I'd leave you my rice bowl, little fly! ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Cries of the wild geese ... Spreading rumors about me? ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch While a cicada sings softly a single leaf falls ... ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Wake up, old tomcat, then with elaborate yawns and stretchings prepare to pursue love ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch This windy nest? Open your hungry mouth in vain, Issa, orphaned sparrow! ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch The ghostly cow comes mooing mooing mooing out of the morning mist ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch The snow melts and the village is flooded with children! ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Full moon, my ramshackle hut is an open book! ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Oh, brilliant moon can it be true that even you must rush off, late for some date? ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch Don't weep, we are all insects! Lovers, even the stars themselves, must eventually part. ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch In our world we walk suspended over hell admiring flowers. ? Kobayashi Issa, loose translation by Michael R. Burch