próspero año nuevo

Year’s end –

still in straw hat

and sandals.

BASHO

Come, let’s go

snow-viewing

till we’re buried

BASHO

Wintry day,

on my horse

a frozen shadow.

BASHO

Through snow,

lights of homes

that slammed their gates on

me.

BUSON

Deer in rain –

three cries,

then heard no more.

BUSON

Temple in

deep winter grove,

a bonfire’s glow.

TAIGI

Just by being,

I’m here –

in snow-fall

ISSA

Winter lull –

no talents,

thus no sins.

ISSA

Cold, yes,

but don’t test

the fire, snow Buddha.

SOKAN

Such silence:

snow tracing wings

of mandarin ducks.

SHIKI