We respond to a CDHK episode by revisiting Basho’s old pond to see if his famous frog honors the haiku/senryu distinction. It does not. With all due respect to the Haiku Society of America, neither do I.
(BTW, the [Menu] button atop the vertical black bar reveals the widgets.)
Before responding to the CDHK episode
Carpe Diem Universal Jane #14 Basho’s “Old Pond”
I want to display my favorite translations of Basho’s famous “Old Pond” haiku.
© Jane Reichhold
an old pond
a frog jumps into
the sound of water
an old pond
a frog jumps into
the sound of water
© Harry Behn
An old silent pond…
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
An old silent pond…
A frog jumps into the pond,
splash! Silence again.
Basho’s haiku illustrates why I respectfully disagree with the Haiku Society of America’s definitions of the words [haiku] and [senryu]. So does my haiku in response to this episode. Yes, “haiku” (not “senryu”) is what I said.
Old Pond Revisited
Basho’s frog can jump
over lines drawn in the mud.
Haiku? Senryu?
Mellow Curmudgeon 