Dragonfly Haiku by Kobayashi Issa

Kobayashi Issa lived from 1763 to 1828. Employed a Lay Buddhist Priest he found peace in Buddhists Temples though early years were filled with hardship. His mother died at an early age and father remarried. Feeling isolated, he is said to endlessly wonder the fields around their home. Sometimes he is critical and other times understanding. In another haiku he talks about how people fix old stupidities to event new ones and comments on how someone pissed in the snow. Several haiku are devoted to feeling sympathy for the poor.

This poem may seem a departure from his usual style; however, being familiar with his other work a message unfolds beyond sublime imagery is of seeing mountains reflected in a large faceted eye of a dragonfly. Dragonflies are often metaphors for courage. A person may imagine a bold young man seeking advice as he eagerly looks to his future. However, reading his other haikus, I believe, Issa does not seek climbing mountains and is as entertained observing the delicate details reflected on the dragonfly's eye.

The distant mountains
Are reflected in the eye
Of the dragonfly

Interpreting the distant mountain as a goal, perhaps a virtuous death after a lifetime of teaching, the teacher sees mountains on the horizon in his student's eyes. Drawing from a basic interpretation symbolism expands. Many facets are many students expressing there ideals of climbing the mountain encompassing an ancient adage of the student being the teacher.

We all learn from each other. In this event Issa is learning what virtue is by listening to ideals of students or followers. A person may learn from all sources; however, dragonflies are small; ergo, taking on the position of the small. Dragonflies are also courageous; therefore, Issa is optimistic they will reach the apex of the mountain.

Images are fantastic. Though not showing the many facets of his lifetime each word is purposeful. In Japan larger symbolism is expressed in fewer syllables, yet this English interpretation also captures an abundance of thought with few syllables.

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