Consecration

i.m. the Kyoto martyrs, 1619

On the wind’s tongue

the spring cherry tree places

a host of Hosts

to consecrate the place where

Catholics were turned to ghosts.

Andrew Lansdown

Clash

Recalling the rut,

the giant moso bamboos

clash with each other,

echoing the percussion

of wild stags in collision.

Andrew Lansdown

Tribute to Three Masters

at Gichuji Temple near Lake Biwa, Otsu

1

Basho’s Grave

Relieved to arrive

at last at Basho’s place of

burial … and yet

as I stand before his grave

grieved at how little I’m grieved.

2

Issa’s Style

In the old pond near

Basho’s grave, a small turtle

rides a big one’s back:

a subject suited perhaps

more to Issa than Basho.

3

Buson’s Rabbits

Buson, no rabbits

scampered across Lake Biwa

when I gazed on it.

Though in truth I was in want

of both saké and moonlight.

Andrew Lansdown