Monday, October 29, 2012

Carpe Diem, Special Prompt #5

Special Prompt #5
Dear Haijin, visitors and travelers,

Today our last Special Prompt is on. This Special is a haiku by Basho. This one is part of his haibun 'Oku no Hosomichi' 'Narrow Roads to the Far North'.

hitosu ya ni   yujo mo ne tari   hagi to tsuki

in one house
prostitutes lie down to sleep
bush clover and the moon

This verse, was published in 1694, with a long explanation about Basho meeting two nuns he overhears talking in the next room. The next day, one of them asks him if they might travel together (figuring they would be safer from bandits with two men who look like priests) but Basho refuses and tells them to trust in the gods of the Ise Shrine for their safety. Because Sora, Basho's companion, doesn't mention such an incident at all, in his more factual diary, it is suspected that Basho inserted this incident in the same way one would have a love-verse in a renga. However, Basho's reaction is the very same as when he was confronted by the abandoned child in his book, he refused his help.

Credits: Narrow Road to the Far North
Well ... let's go compose a haiku inspired on the one by Basho. This will not be easy, but ... you know me so I will write a new haiku here.

together
sleeping under the moon
in a bed of clover

in a bed of clover
laying down with my wife
Honeysuckle and Moon

Hm ... nice one ... really ... both are great. I loved doing this.

This prompt will stay on 'till October 31th 11.59 AM (CET). The new prompt and the last one of this first Carpe Diem month will be wedding bells another great prompt I think. I will publish it today around 10.00 PM (CET).

Have fun, be inspired and go with the flow ... write and share your haiku, classical or non-classical, with us. Please leave a comment after linking.


4 comments:

  1. It is funny Basho decided to write this haiku about prostitutes after meeting two nuns, such a big contrast!, just like thinking of a cup of hot tea when having an ice cream.
    Anyway, his haiku with these women sleeping is very beautiful; bush clover grows and the moon shines the same for prostitutes and nuns, no shame.
    You have written a couple of lovely and very romantic haiku.
    :)

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  2. I agree with Dulcina about the contrasts ... lovely romantic set of Haiku for your wife!! Hope you share with her!

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  3. I truly love the picture and story your Haiku painted. Very nice.

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