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For many years, the journal Geppo, published by the Yuki Teikei Haiku Society, has invited poets to respond to what it has called “Challenge Kigo.” For the March–April 1998 issue (XXI:2), I provided the following season word invitation and example poems. See also “First Cold Night.”
Challenge Kigo for May/June: SUMMER MOON
Challenge Kigo for May/June: SUMMER MOON
the sandy shore—
why do they make a fire
under the summer moon?
sunahama ya nani ni hi wo taku natsu no tsuki
Shiki
R. H. Blyth says of this poem, “If the question is answered, the poetry disappears.” In summer, when we spend more time outdoors, and enjoy the cool of evening, the moon is our nighttime companion. If we try to answer why we find pleasure in this, the poetry of living is lost also.
voices of villagers
irrigating the fields—
summer moon
yomizu toru satobito no koe ya natsu no tsuki
Buson
summer moonlight
the potter’s wheel
slows
Michael Dylan Welch
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