Tuesday Poem: Haiku — “Summer grasses” by Mattsu Basho

Ah! Summer grasses!

All that remains

Of the warriors’ dreams

.

by Matsuo Bassho 1644-1694

Translated by: R. H. Blyth, 1952

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Mattsu Bassho is probably the most renowned of all the Japanese haiku masters, and RH Blyth’s is my preferred translation of this particular poem.

To learn more about the poet, Bassho, his life and work, click here: Mattsu Basho

To find out about the translator, click here: RH Blyth

Why this poem — because its “ages” since I’ve featured a haiku; I’m currently focusing on summer &...