H3013 – Haiku by Issa – In this world of ours…
by Master Japanese Calligrapher Eri Takase
In this world of ours,
We walk above hell,
Gazing at flowers [1]
|
yo no naka wa jigoku no ue no hanami kana |
世の中は 地獄の上の 花見哉 |
| issa | 一茶 |
David G. Lanoue writes in his excellent website Haiku of Kobayashi Issa, “In it, Issa offers a striking juxtaposition: above, people enjoy a pleasant day of viewing spring blossoms–drinking sake, eating, joking, laughing; while deep below, poor souls suffer the torments of hell. The contrast suggests that, for Issa, the opposite of hell isn’t heaven; it’s being in this world on a day when the blossoms bloom.” [2]
David G. Lanoue suggests the translation:
in this world
over hell, viewing
spring blossoms [2]
R. H. Blyth takes makes a more positive interpretation noting, “Happiness is impossible without forgetting.” [3]
R. H. Blyth suggests the translation:
In this world of ours,
We walk on the roof of Hell,
Gazing at the flowers. [3]
Sam Hamill suggests the translation:
In the midst of this world
we stroll along the roof of hell
gawking at flowers [4]
Robin G. Gill suggests the paraverse:
what is life?
it’s blossom-viewing
on top of hell
the whole world
is out blossom-viewing
on the roof of hell
in this world
we sit on the roof of hell
gazing at flowers [5]
References:
[1] Translation by Timothy L. Jackowski, Takase Studios, LLC. This translation was highly influenced by that of Blyth.[3]
[2] Lanoue, David G. (1991-2009). Haiku of Kobayashi Issa.
[3] 367.
[5] 410.
