Kobayashi Issa

In the city fields Contemplating cherry-trees...Strangers are like friends

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

Hi! My little hutIs newly-thatched I see...Blue morning-glories

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

Don't kill!...The fly is asking youTo save his lifeBy rubbing his hands together

This dewdrop world Is but a dewdrop worldAnd yet _

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

HereI'm here-the snow falling.

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

Arise from sleep, old cat,And with great yawns and stretchings...Amble out for love

What a strange thing!to be alivebeneath cherry blossoms.

On the Death of his ChildDew Evaporates And all our world is dew...so dear, So fresh, so fleeting

O snailClimb Mount FujiBut slowly, slowly!

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