This week I am reading a collection of translations of Haiku Master Yosa Buson (1717-1783), and I am struck by this quotation, from a piece called "New Flower Picking":
"What you want to acquire, you should dare to acquire by any means. What you want to see, even though it is with difficulty, you should see. You should not let it pass, thinking there will be another chance to see it or to acquire it. It is quite unusual to have a second chance to materialize your desire."
After reading the haiku presented in the book, I do not think Buson is talking about the acquisition of material goods.
I think he is saying, look around you, take it all in. Life is short, but shorter still for those who live with blinders on. Here is one of his spring haiku:
The pond and the river
have joined together as one
in the spring rain.
---Buson
Buson challenges us to fulfill our own, deepest desires--to go blossom-viewing, or moon-viewing, as the Japanese love to do, or to sit quietly by a pond in the presence of a frog.
My name is Rae Hallstrom, and Ameriku® is my art and my business and my brand.
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2 comments:
The art is wonderful. I love the poetry. Wonderful combination. Need to see more.
Thank you! About seeing more, that's easily fixed. Just go to my website, at www.ameriku.com. If you page down there are four samples. Also, there's a link to my email address, and I'll answer questions and send additional samples by email, if you like. There are also some items available at my store on Cafe Press, and the website has a link to that, too. I'd love to hear from you, and hope that you will be in touch.
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