Kobayashi Issa
Blossoms at night,
and the faces of people
moved by music.
Even with insects—
some can sing,
some can't.
The snow is melting
and the village is flooded
with children.
Napping at midday
I hear the song of rice planters
and feel ashamed of myself.
In spring rain
a pretty girl
yawning.
The pheasant cries
as if it just noticed
the mountain.
New Year's morning:
the ducks on the pond
quack and quack.
Napped half the day;
no one
punished me!
Translated by Robert Hass
In this world
we walk on the roof of hell,
gazing at flowers.
How much
are you enjoying yourself,
tiger moth?
Hey, sparrow!
out of the way,
Horse is coming.
I'm going out,
flies, so relax,
make love.
