Kobayashi Issa was a prominent Japanese haiku poet from the Edo period. Born on June 15, 1763, in Kashiwazaki village, he is celebrated for his concise and evocative haiku that often reflect the simplicity and beauty of nature. Issa's poetry is known for its depth of emotion and its ability to capture the fleeting moments of life. He passed away on January 5, 1828.
Related Quotes
“Look, don’t kill that fly! It is making a prayer to you By rubbing its hands and feet”
“In these latter-day, Degenerate times, Cherry-blossoms everywhere!”
“Non scordare: noi camminiamo sopra l’inferno, guardando i fiori.”
“Summer night-- even the stars are whispering to each other.”
“What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms.”
“Where there are humans, You'll find flies, And Buddhas.”
Source: The dumpling field: haiku of Issa
“Don't kill!... The fly is asking you To save his life By rubbing his hands together”
Source: The year of my life
“All the time I pray to Buddha I keep on killing mosquitoes.”
“Don't weep, insects -- Lovers, stars themselves, Must part.”
Source: The dumpling field: haiku of Issa
“In the cherry blossom's shade there's no such thing as a stranger.”
“before the gate -- my walking stick's made a river of melting snow”
Source: Inch by inch: 45 haiku
“On the Death of his Child Dew Evaporates And all our world is dew...so dear, So fresh, so fleeting”
“Arise from sleep, old cat, And with great yawns and stretchings... Amble out for love”
“In the city fields Contemplating cherry-trees... Strangers are like friends”
“Giddy grasshopper Take care...do not leap and crush These pearls of dewdrop”
“In this world we walk on the roof of hell gazing at flowers”
“Listen, all creeping things, the bell of transience.”
Source: The dumpling field: haiku of Issa