Ryōkan (1758-1831) projected a persona of the provincial impoverished Zen monk, hermit and poet. These verses are among a number of new versions of haiku featured in the book.
12 HAIKU BY THE ZEN MONK RYŌKAN
New pond.
A frog leaps in
Full moon.
In my garden
measuring myself against Bashō
Cherry blossoms falling
not falling
Someone visiting
again obliged
to take off my hat.
Summer night
counting fleas
until dawn.
Summer breeze
white peony petal
blown into my bowl.
In the hedge
fledglings
and morning snow.
The wind blows
fallen leaves
enough for a fire.
Evening cool.
Enough rice for tomorrow
in my bowl.
Maple leaves
first one side then another
All around me
the world
is cherry blossom.
Who will listen
to my sad tale?
Autumn ending.