On Reading Issa Each Morningby Naomi Beth Wakan
Every morning, as others open their papers to the sports page, or keep them closed on the grim rumors of the day, I receive a small, sweet message by e-mail, a message telling of simple things . . . midday naps, the scent of the lotus, deer rutting and mountain rain, a sickle moon, a temple bell, muddy straw sandals, the beggar’s stove, first frost and slush-splashed robes, plum blossom, Buddharupas, saké cups, radishes, garbage-removers, mosquitoes at the eaves and a cottage door crushed by morning glories, tumbled down houses and dogs mouthing down rice cakes. Only occasionally a bigger mystery presents itself for my morning consideration, such as a samurai’s discarded top knot.
This poem previously appeared in Sex After 70 and Other Poems (Toronto: Bevalia Press, 2010). To learn more about Naomi and her many wonderful books, please visit her website. To receive a daily Issa haiku of your own (the service described in this poem), please visit David G. Lanoue’s website, “Haiku of Kobayashi Issa”—scroll down to the “Daily Issa” heading and click the Subscribe option.
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