On Bashō’s Frog

by Sengai (1750–1837)

Under the cloud cliff, near the temple door,

Between dusky spring plants on the pond,

A frog jumps in the water, plop!

Startled, the poet drops his brush.

Translated by Lucien Stryk, from On Love and Barley: Haiku of Bashō (New York: Viking Penguin, 1985).