The Essential Haiku Quotes

“The basis of art is change in the universe.”
― Robert Hass, The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa

“When you are composing a verse, let there not be a hair's breadth separating your mind from what you write. Quickly say what is in your mind; never hesitate a moment.”
― Robert Hass, The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa

“Poetry is a fireplace in summer or a fan in winter.”
― Robert Hass, The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa

“Flowers scattering -
The water we thirst for
Far off, in the mist.”
― Kobayashi Issa, The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa

“Don’t imitate me;
it’s as boring
as the two halves of a melon.”
― Robert Hass, The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa

“I don't know
which tree it comes from,
that fragrance.”
― Matsuo Bashō, The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa