Kobayashi Issa

“before the gate --my walking stick's made a riverof melting snow”

“In this worldWe walk on the roof of hellGazing at flowers”

“O snailClimb Mount FujiBut slowly, slowly!”

“Reflectedin the dragonfly's eye --mountains.”

“Never forget:we walk on hell,gazing at flowers.”

“In the cherry blossom's shadethere's no such thingas a stranger.”

“Don't weep, insects --Lovers, stars themselves,Must part.”

“All the time I pray to BuddhaI keep onkilling mosquitoes.”

“Where there are humans, You'll find flies,And Buddhas.”

“What a strange thing!to be alivebeneath cherry blossoms.”

“Summer night--even the starsare whispering to each other.”