A series on discussing Haiku Masters and their poetry. This is the first one of the series. Hope you would like it.
At certain juncture in renga, love or yearnings (omoi) had to be touched on before moving to other pre-designated topics of poetic converse. The Master Sogi (1421 -1502) here poses a riddle: Why do I love when already I love? Socho (1448 – 1532) caps his masters verse cleverly by referring to the enigma of infidelity.
“ Three poets at Minase” from where the above stanza is taken, was composed by Sogi and two of his disciples: Socho, a blacksmith’s son, and Shohaku, a nobleman and son of a minister of State. The entire work was written in six hours, with each poet inventing a stanza every three minutes.
Paragon of renga (linked verse) Masters, Sogi (1421 -1502) was of humble origin, so much so that he kept his birthplace secret. However, as a great poet, he moved in highest circles. Perhaps the most famous Hokku in renga literature, written by Sogi, in 1488, when he was 67.
Despite some snow
the base of hills spreads with Haze
the twilight scene
Text : The classic tradition of Haiku
VERSE ONE
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What could be the cause of it –
That I should feel such love again? – Sogi
While I still have you,
Why think of anyone else
Why this discontent? – Socho
At certain juncture in renga, love or yearnings (omoi) had to be touched on before moving to other pre-designated topics of poetic converse. The Master Sogi (1421 -1502) here poses a riddle: Why do I love when already I love? Socho (1448 – 1532) caps his masters verse cleverly by referring to the enigma of infidelity.
“ Three poets at Minase” from where the above stanza is taken, was composed by Sogi and two of his disciples: Socho, a blacksmith’s son, and Shohaku, a nobleman and son of a minister of State. The entire work was written in six hours, with each poet inventing a stanza every three minutes.
Paragon of renga (linked verse) Masters, Sogi (1421 -1502) was of humble origin, so much so that he kept his birthplace secret. However, as a great poet, he moved in highest circles. Perhaps the most famous Hokku in renga literature, written by Sogi, in 1488, when he was 67.
Despite some snow
the base of hills spreads with Haze
the twilight scene
Text : The classic tradition of Haiku
Image: Pondicherry Beach
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Shashi
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Om Namah Shivaya
