A Tiny Gem . . .

Don’t weep, insects –
Lovers, stars themselves,
Must part.

                              - Kobayashi Issa

Wishful Thinking

Winter seclusion -

Listening, that evening,
To the rain in the mountain.

- Issa

My grumbling wife -
if only she were here!
This moon tonight...

- Issa

Having slept, the cat gets up

by Kobayashi Issa

Having slept, the cat gets up,

yawns, goes out

to make love.