星既に秋の眼をひらきけり
The stars have already
opened
their autumn eyes†
—Ozaki Koyo
Hoshi sude ni / aki no manako wo / hirakikeri
(print by Namiki Hajime)
Better known as one of the founders of modern Japanese literature, Ozaki also wrote some amazing haiku. He had studied Western poetry and you can see the influence of that in this haiku.
This poem titled Autumn begins, which traditionally is set in August when it is still hot outside but one can sense the difference at night under the stars, feeling and smelling the coming season change.
Footnotes:
†: Tr. Janine Beichman
Don't miss the other great haiku in the Haiku of Japan series!
#1 - Traveling to the inn
#2 - Childless Woman
#3 - Old Dancing Butterfly
#4 - Seeing the Moon
#5 - Checking the Scarecrow
#6 - Skill of Insects
#7 - The Spider Lilies
#8 - A Thousand Green Mountains
#9 - Falling Lead Enlightenment
#10 - Lonely Night
#11 - Her Day Off
#12 - Autumn Crow
#13 - Faint Footprints
#14 - Alone on the Road
Thank you for reading. :)
If you enjoyed this post, please like and resteem. Also be sure to follow me to see more from Japan everyday.
I post one photo everyday, as well as some misc posts such as haiku, videos, more Japanese history, and so on. Let me know if there is anything about Japan you would like to know more about or would like to see.
David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time.