Journey Haiku by Matsuo Basho

Haiku is an emerging poetic form in the United States. As people grow interested, the style is considerably different than modern English heights of poetry, yet these poems exemplify many poetic necessities. A poem provides imagery and thoughts in few words. Writers must relate to readers. These poems are only three lines; therefore, the entire poem is being listed in the article; however, they express depth to the reader.

Matsuo Basho lived from 1644 to 1694. Studying to be a Samurai to follow his father's lineage hardship resulted in wondering Japan. Luckily his haikus were favorable. Basho exudes several religious principles and focuses heavily on virtue. At times he is like a monk with frequent references to purity associated with cherry blossoms. In this poem, he is content with wisteria in bloom.

Exhausted, I sought
A country inn, but found
Wisteria in bloom

Exhausted from traveling provides images of traveling between two distant towns. Potentially, he traveled this way before, yet the landscape changed making it unusual from memories. Wisterias are similar to bonsai trees though larger and bloom with an array of various colors. He is not sleeping in the branches. The soothing scent is soothing. Country life offers sensations modern conveniences do not provide.

There is a dual interpretation. The long journey is not only a physically taxing journey, producing the ability to sleep anywhere; Basho's path through life has made it possible to begin finding happiness wherever it is found. Perhaps he began with a goal, the town; however, wisteria provides comfort. Ergo, while studying to be a samurai, he is content being a journeyman and successful poet.

Illusive haiku is the least wordy type of poetry in existence. By studying notable forms, writers: poetry, novelists and technical writers; there is a plethora of technique to observe and learn from a suitable example.

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