Landscape with a Solitary Traveler

Yosa Buson was a master poet as well as an artist. "Washing the hoe—" is one of the most important pieces of writing in my world.

Buson’s is a poetry of essentials. His imagery – lean, sharp, objective – is built with a quick stroke. No waste. Exact. Forceful.

*

      Washing the hoe—
ripples on the water;
      far off, wild ducks.


      ~


      Butterfly
sleeping
      on the temple bell.


      ~


      A heavy cart rumbles by
and the peonies
      quiver.


      ~


      Autumn evening—
there's joy also
      in loneliness.


      ~


      Blow of an ax,
pine scent,
      the winter woods.


      ~


Early spring:

      In the white plum blossoms
night to next day
      just turning.

["Early spring:" was Buson's deathbed poem – Winter, 1783.]


(trans. Robert Hass)

*

I consider Buson to be Bashō's literary opposite – yet both are indispensable. While each poet is concerned with precision – certainly – Bashō’s writing is of the moment and Buson’s is in the moment.