akitahaiku

Haiku about New Year 2012 (2)

2012-01-30T19:54:00.003+09:00

新山や雪の参道裸者登る

Shinzan ya yuki no sando rasha noboru

naked men

climb the snowy approach ―

Shinzan shrine

新山の裸者寒中に祈りけり

Shinzan no rasha kanchuni inori keri

naked men

praying in midwinter

Shinzan shrine

The first haiku appears in the following websites.

http://akitahaiku.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/for-new-year-2012-4/

http://wkdfestivalsaijiki.blogspot.com/2007/01/naked-festivals.html

You will surely get familiar with the festivals, which tell you about some aspects of Japanese culture.

Best wishes.

Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about New Year 2012

2012-01-01T11:04:00.003+09:00

初夢や龍の背に乗り天翔る

hatsuyume ya ryuu no se ni nori amagakeru

first dream ―

on the back of a dragon

in the heavens

元日の息深々と祈りけり

ganjitsu no iki fukabuka to inori keri

First prayer

taking a deep breath

New Year's Day

― Asahi Haikuist Network

http://www.asahi.com/english/haiku/050118.html

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (21)

2011-12-21T16:39:00.003+09:00

千の風吹く海岸や冬の虹

sen no kaze fuku kaigan ya fuyu no niji

a thousand winds

blowing in the coast ―

winter rainbow

雪の精訪ふ海岸の観音を

yu ki no sei tou kaigan no kan non o

snow spirits

visiting the coast ―

the goddess of mercy

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (20)

2011-12-15T22:00:00.004+09:00

思い出の甦る冬花捧ぐ

omoide no yomigaeru fuyu hana sasagu

winter

raises memories ―

last flowers

明日のため沈む夕日や冬来たる

asu no tame shizumu yuuhi ya fuyu kitaru

the sun setting

for tomorrow ―

winter comes

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (19)

2011-12-09T16:33:00.003+09:00

戯れて踊る白鳥午後のお茶

tawamure te odoru hakucho gogo no ocha

swans

present dancing ―

afternoon tea

白鳥を迎ふ田園神去りぬ

hakucho o mukau denen kami sarinu

paddy fields

welcome swans ―

the god gone

Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (24)

2011-11-24T20:58:00.005+09:00

干し柿や宝石のごと納屋飾る

hoshigaki ya houseki no goto naya kazaru

dried persimmons

embellish the barn ―

gems

干し柿や風と光に育まる

hoshigaki ya kaze to hikari ni hagukumaru

dried persimmons ―

raised by winds

and beams

Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (23)

2011-11-18T20:31:00.003+09:00

日を浴びて柿熟しけり小鳥呼ぶ

hi o abi te kaki jukushi keri kotori yobu

persimmons

ripen in the sun ―

calling birds

甘柿やメルヘンの空現れる

amagaki ya meruhen no sora arawareru

sweet persimmons―

does the fairy tale sky

appear

Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (22)

2011-11-09T20:52:00.003+09:00

日の光リンゴを照らす羽後の園

hi no hikari ringo o terasu Ugo no sono

the sunbeam

spotlights apples ―

the garden of Akita

ふじと言ふリンゴたわわに実りけり

fuji to iu ringo tawawa ni minorikeri

apples ripen

in abundance ―

named after Mt. Fuji

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (21)

2011-11-03T19:40:00.003+09:00

秋色の絵の如き山浮びけり

shushoku no e no gotoki yama ukabi keri

picture-like mountain

floating up

in autumn hues

新米を産みし稲田の憩ひけり

shinmai o umi shi inada no ikoi keri

new rice produced

paddy fields lie

in repose

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (20)

2011-10-27T20:25:00.005+09:00

豊かさや稲穂輝く丘の上

yutakasa ya inaho kagayaku oka no ue

how rich ―

ears of rice shine

in highland

慎ましや芒傾く丘の上

tsutsumashi ya susuki katamuku oka no ue

how humble ―

pampas grasses lean

in highland

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (19)

2011-10-20T19:42:00.006+09:00

秋色や高地の木々の楽しめり

shushoku ya kouchi no kigi no tanoshimeri

autumn colors ―

trees enjoy themselves

in highlands

秋色や低地の田畑きわだてり

shushoku ya teichi no tahata kiwadateri

autumn colors

paddy fields stand out

in lowlands

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (18)

2011-09-08T21:23:00.005+09:00

渓流魚床に集まり恋結ぶ

keiryuugyo toko ni ataumari koi musubu

stream fish

gather in the bed ―

love match

水落ちる別の世界やトンボ飛ぶ

mizu ochiru betsu no sekai ya tombo tobu

the water falls

into another world ―

a dragonfly

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (27)

2011-08-30T19:26:00.003+09:00

白雲に緑深まる鳥海山

haku un ni midori fukamaru Choukai-san

white clouds

deepen greenery ―

Mt. Chokai

鳥海山緑と化して滝走る

Chokai-san midori to kashi te taki hashiru

Mt. Chokai

turns green ―

waterfalls

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (26)

2011-08-24T22:33:00.003+09:00

夏の雪マスコットのごと鳥海山

natsu no yuki masukotto no goto Chokaisan

summer snow

makes mascots ―

Mt. Chokai

夏の山色とりどりの鳥海山

natsu no yama iro toridori no Chokaisan

summer mountain

abounds in colors ―

Mt. Chokai

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (25)

2011-08-17T13:23:00.005+09:00

暑夏越えて雪の残るや鳥海山

shoka koe te yuki no nokoru ya Choukaisan

snow

survives summer heat ―

Mt. Chokai

象潟の地震に残りし小島かな

Kisakata no nai ni nokori shi kojima kana

islets

abide there ―

Kisakata earthquake

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (24)

2011-08-09T21:58:00.004+09:00

ユニフォーム再会待つや緑の地

unifoumu saikai matsu ya midori no chi

looking forward to

reunion in uniform ―

the green earth

前線に立ちて微笑む緑の地

zensen ni tachi te hohoemu midori no chi

standing in front

they have a smile ―

the green earth

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (23)

2011-08-02T22:25:00.002+09:00

水田の緑の笑ひ羽後平野

suiden no midori no warai ugo heiya

paddy fields

fresh green laughter

Ugo Plains

緑風の深き思ひや羽後の川

ryokufuu no fukaki omoi ya ugo no kawa

green wind blowing

deep in thought ―

Ugo River

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (22)

2011-07-26T19:11:00.003+09:00

一列に立ちて微笑む緑の地

standing in line

they have a smile ―

the green earth

巡礼や微笑み返す緑の地

stopping in front

pilgrims smile back ―

the green earth

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (21)

2011-07-19T19:46:00.003+09:00

段高し紫陽花の地に帰りけり

too high steps ―

back to the earth of

hydrangea

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (20)

2011-07-12T19:52:00.004+09:00

巡礼や紫陽花迎ふ峠道

on pilgrimage ―

a welcome from hydrangea

of the path

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (19)

2011-07-05T19:44:00.005+09:00

紫陽花の絵のかかりたり峠道

the picture

of hydrangea hanging ―

the path

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (18)

2011-06-28T19:59:00.005+09:00

Oouchi-juku (大内宿）was an important post town whose buildings served as shops, inns and restaurants for travellers.

Many buildings have been preserved as they were before the Meiji Restoration (1867) (明治維新）, and the area has been designated as an Imortant Preservation for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

The village is now a popular tourist attraction.

茅葺きの大内宿や額の花

thatched roofs

Oouchi post station

hydrangeas

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (17)

2011-06-28T16:48:00.003+09:00

Oouchi-juku　(大内宿） was a small post station　(宿場） in Japan's Edo period (1603-1867) （江戸時代）and part of the Aizu Nishi Kaido （会津西街道）.

It is now located in the town of Shimogo in Minamiaizu District, Fukushima prefecture　(福島県）, and is famous for the numerous traditional thatched buildings from the Edo Period that line its main street.

風薫る大内宿や桐床几

early summer breeze

over Oouchi post station

stools of paulownia

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (16)

2011-06-21T17:09:00.003+09:00

幕開きや緑を流る北の川

the rising curtain

shows greenery background

northern river

北の川緑の風の吹きにけり

greenery wind

blowing over ―

northern river

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (22)

2011-05-09T21:00:00.006+09:00

The Boshin War （戊辰戦争）, a civil war in Japan, was fought from 1868 to 1869 between forces of the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those seeking to return political power to the imperial court.

The Banshoji Temple （萬松寺）in Daisen - city （大仙市）, Akita Prefecture （秋田県）, was one of the battle sites, where the drooping cherry tree is said to have been completely damaged , but three cherry saplings are said to have been born and grown up, and to bloom now in spring.

On May 5, I visited there and wrote haiku, taking photos of the cherry blossoms.

cherry blossoms

weep for memories

the Banshoji Temple

思い出に桜しだるる萬松寺

omoide ni sakura shidaru ru banshoji

storyteller

on the Boshin War ―

cherry blossoms

語り継ぐ戊辰の役の桜かな

kataritsugu boshin no eki no sakura kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (21)

2011-04-28T19:52:00.011+09:00

Today, April 28, was the 49th day after the death of those who passed away in the Great East Japan Earthquake.

I visited the cemetery for those who had died with no surviving relatives, which is in the graveyard at Shouheiji-Temple　（勝平寺） in Akita City （秋田市）.

I had Buddhist service there with cherry blossoms blooming, when it rained a little while reciting sutra.

The 49th day is called 満中陰 ( manchuuin), the time when the spirits of dead people depart for the Pure Land.

cherry blossoms

see the souls off ―

the Buddhist service

桜花浄土へ仏送りけり

sakurabana joudo he hotoke okuri keri

sutra recitation ―

cherry blossoms bloom

for the souls' repose

桜咲く満中陰の読経かな

sakura saku manchuuin no dokyou kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (20)

2011-04-08T14:55:00.004+09:00

On April 8, Buddha's Birthday, there was a ceremony held for a newly-built image of Buddha in the graveyard of a Buddhist temple, Shouhei-ji (勝平寺), in Akita-city (秋田市).

The chief priest Shunsai Takayanagi (高柳俊哉住職）at the temple of the Sodo sect of Buddhism　（曹洞宗）, held the ceremony for the purpose of putting Buddha' heart and soul into the new statue with the supporting members of the temple.

The new statue of Buddha was built recently for those who died leaving nobody to look after his or her grave.

　Priest Takayanagi also held the memorial service for those who were killed in the East Japan Earthquake and its Tsunami on March 11.

spring earthquake

Buddha abides in

prayers

春の地震残る仏陀の祈りかな

haru no nai nokoru Budda no inori kana

spring earthquake

Buddha prays in

tears

春の地震祈る仏陀の涙かな

haru no nai inoru Budda no namida kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (19)

2011-03-28T20:12:00.005+09:00

On the afternoon of March 27, I visited the temple named Shouhei-ji （勝平寺） near my house in Akita-city （秋田市）.

In the graveyard is an image of Buddha, which was built recently for those who died leaving nobody to look after their graves.

Visiting there, I found snowflakes wandering over the image of Buddha.

I felt as if each snowflake is the spirit of the victim killed by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11.

I also felt as if the spirits are crying in tears over Buddha, and Buddha did too.

Buddha

praying for spirits

in tears

精霊に涙の仏陀祈りけり

seirei ni namida no budda inori keri

Buddha

praying for survivors

in tears

仏涙や残りし者の幸祈る

butsu rui ya nokorisi mono no sachi inoru

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (18)

2011-03-23T10:26:00.004+09:00

On March 1, I wrote the following haiku for the first haijinx issue of 2011.

My haiku were selected and published in haijinx Ⅵー１．

Please check them out at the haijinx homepage: http://www.haijinx.org/.

綱引きや川春潮を引き寄せる

tsunahiki ya kawa shunchou wo hikiyoseru

tug of war

the river draws the tide

of spring

シャボン玉宇宙船へと春の夢

shabondama uchuusen heto haru no yume

blowing bubbles

towards the spaceship

spring daydream

蛭田　秋稲

Shuutou Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (17)

2011-03-08T20:07:00.002+09:00

The spring evening sun sometimes makes a miracle, creating a world of beauties and wonders.

My haiku is written about such a fantastic scene.

The setting sun

brightens spring waters

masterpiece

春水や夕日輝き絵となりぬ

Shunsui ya yuhi kagayaki e to narinu

The setting sun

paints pine woods dark

spring shadow

松林夕日の描く春の影

Matsubayashi yuhi no egaku haru no kage

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (16)

2011-03-01T16:43:00.004+09:00

Here in Akita the spring sunlight has begun to shine beautifully everywhere.

We really welcome the coming of spring, relieved from the hard long winter.

Spring current

smiles in the sunlight

the Northern River

北の川春の流れや微笑する

Kita no kawa haru no nagare ya bishou suru

Spring angler

catches the sunlight

the Northern River

北の川春光を釣る漁師かな

Kita no kawa shunkou wo tsuru ryoushi kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (15)

2011-02-22T19:47:00.004+09:00

Here in Akita, there was a local fest event called 'Big Tug of War in Kariwano （刈和野大綱引き）'

held recently. It seems that the tug of war is played between winter and spring.

But it is really enjoyed between good harvest and health.

Tug of war

winter in triumph

snow fairies

綱引きや冬勝ち誇る雪女

Tsunahiki ya fuyu kachihokoru yuki onna

Tug of war

spring in triumph

cherry trouts

綱引きや春勝ち誇るサクラマス

Tsunahiki ya haru kachihokoru sakuramasu

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (18)

2011-02-15T16:59:00.002+09:00

Here in Akita we have had much snow again, which makes us feel as if it is still winter.

But the snow rarely continues falling so long.

A crow bathing

in the snow light

soundless

雪光を浴びる烏の黙しけり

Sekkou o abiru karasu no mokushikeri

The pausing crow

in a snow country

monochromatic

雪国や烏佇みモノクロに

Yukiguni ya karasu tatazumi monokuro ni

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (14)

2011-02-08T19:49:00.002+09:00

Here in Akita spring has just set in here and there these days.

One of the big changes is seen in the brightness of the sunlight.

I happened to meet such a sight a few days ago.

Spring sunlight

divides the Omono River

bright and dark

春光や明暗分かる雄物川

Shunkou ya meian wakaru Omonogawa

Heavenly show

spring landscape develops

the Omono River

天恵や春景開く雄物川

Tenkei ya shunkei hiraku Omonogawa

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (17)

2011-02-01T20:06:00.006+09:00

Here is a photo of peony flowers blooming in winter in my collection.

I hit upon haiku about them.

Peony flowers

rouge on the snow

midwinter

白銀に紅をさしたる寒牡丹

Hakugin ni beni o sashitaru kan botan

How clear ―

peony flowers sparkling

midwinter

さやけしや紅色放つ寒牡丹

Sayakeshi ya beniiro hanatsu kan botan

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (16)

2011-01-25T19:52:00.003+09:00

Here in Akita we sometimes have heavy snowfalls these days.

I have tried to find poetry even in such occasions.

Snowman ―

his makeup with charcoal

turns white again

雪だるま炭の化粧の色直し

Yukidaruma sumi no keshou no iro naoshi

Snow fairies

winging their ways

to and fro

雪女我が世の春や飛びまわる

Yukionna waga yo no haru ya tobimawaru

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (15)

2011-01-18T16:39:00.002+09:00

Here in Akita we have had such heavy snow these days. The snowfall is our everyday's big topic.

Twittering

on the heavy snow

sparrows' news

大雪の知らせを雀伝えけり

Ooyuki no shirase o suzume tsutae keri

Snowy dusk

falling on sparrows

in twitter

おしゃべりの雀に迫る雪の暮れ

Oshaberi no suzume ni semaru yuki no kure

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (14)

2011-01-11T18:55:00.002+09:00

In 'HAIKU Volume 1 EASTERN CULTURE by R.H. BLYTH', Basho's haiku is taken up as follows:

冬籠もり又寄添はんこの柱

Fuyu gomori mata yorisowan kono hashira

Winter seclusion:

Once again I will lean against

This post.

Here, and here only, is the little life set in the circle of the greater, the ordinary in the extreordinary, the commonplace in the miraculous, the material in the spiritual, the human in the divine. To sit on the floor and lean one's back against a post may not seem the acme of comfort, but this is the pleasure Basho is promising himself. During the winter, while the snow is silently falling, he will lean against the post as he did last year, reading and writing poetry, thinking

Thoughts that wander through eternity,

through our eternity, through the greater life. This post, rubbed amooth with countless vigils, black where his head rested against it, is all he asks for.

Inspired by Bsho's haiku above, I wrote haiku below.

Old bookworm

ponders between lines...

snow country

雪国や行間に住む本の虫

Yukiguni ya gyoukan ni sumu hon no mushi

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (13)

2011-01-04T21:46:00.003+09:00

I wish you a Happy New Year!

The first sunrise

surprises the moon rabbit

awakening

初日の出月の兎の目覚めけり

Hatsuhinode tsukino usagi no mezame keri

First running

rabbit's tracks printed

New Year's dawn

元旦の兎の跡や走り初め

Gantan no usagi no ato ya hashirizome

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (12)

2010-12-28T19:43:00.003+09:00

I visited the old pond in Akita the other day, which reminded me of Basho's haiku about that old pond. And I wrote the following haiku.

The old carp

meditates in depth

winter pond

冬の池深きに思う老鯉かな

Fuyu no ike fukaki ni omou rouri kana

Snowflakes

visit the old pond

one by one

雪片のしげく古池見舞いけり

Seppen no shigeku furuike mimai keri

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (11)

2010-12-21T20:22:00.003+09:00

The other day I visited the foot of Mt. Taihei　（太平山） in Akita （秋田）, where I remembered climbing there and wrote haiku.

Alpinists

overcome blizzard ―

for heaven

岳人やブリザード超え天上へ

Gakujin ya burizaado koe tenjou e

Paddy fields

in repose ―

snow blanket

水田や雪の毛布に安らげり

Suiden ya yuki no moufu ni yasurageri

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (10)

2010-12-14T21:30:00.002+09:00

The other day I happened to see such a snowy sight here in Akita while taking a stroll.

Evergreen leaves

the pine trees featured

first snowfall

初雪に常緑の松映えにけり

Hatsuyuki ni jouryoku no matsu haeni keri

Snow-viewing

on a pine branch

crow's pastime

松の枝憩う烏の雪見かな

Matsu no eda ikou karasu no yukimi kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (9)

2010-12-07T19:00:00.003+09:00

Here in Akita we haven't had snow around us in towns or cities yet, but there on mountaintops they have already had the first snow this winter.

Winter general

appears on the top

white crown

冠白し冬将軍のお出ましぞ

Kan shiroshi fuyu shougun no o demashi zo

White blanket

covers the mountain

hibernating

冬用のブランケットに山眠る

Fuyu you no buranketto ni yama nemuru

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (17)

2010-11-30T16:42:00.013+09:00

Here in Akita it's already been winter, but in my haiku world it's still autumn.
At the middle of November, I visited the foot of Mt. Moriyoshi （森吉山）, which means 'th forests abundant in trees'.
I wrote the last haiku about autumn in 2010.

The white thread

dropping through

bare branches

白糸や無地の枝縫い落下する

Shiraito ya muji no eda nui rakka suru

Fallen leaves

cover the mountain

another life

散り散りに山地を包む落葉かな

Chirijiri ni sanchi o tsutsumu ochiba kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (16)

2010-11-23T20:01:00.003+09:00

On November 19, I visited Lake Tazawa （田沢湖）at the foot of Mt. Komagadake（駒ケ岳）, Akita.

It was such a nice day late in autumn.

Lake Tazawa

reflects the passing day

Indian summer

田沢湖や秋の好日写したり

Tazawako ya aki no koujitsu utsu shi tari

White clouds

visiting Lake Tazawa

Indian summer

白雲の晩秋光る湖面かな

Hakuun no banshu hikaru komen kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (15)

2010-11-16T16:06:00.002+09:00

The other day I visited a hot spring called 'Cranes' Spring' （鶴の湯温泉）at the foot of Mt. Nyutou （乳頭山） in Akita.

Wild birds' spring

for healing and resting

no cranes now

傷いやす出湯に今は鶴見えず

Kizu iyasu ideyu ni ima wa tsuru miezu

Maple leaves

dancing into a bath

outdoor spring

モミジの葉露天の風呂に舞い落ちる

Momiji no ha roten no furo ni maiochiru

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (14)

2010-11-09T19:49:00.002+09:00

At the beginning of October, I visited the Akita International Dahlia Garden near Akita airport.

I wrote haiku, remembering that beautiful autumn day.

Red dragonflies

hiding in dahlias

the blue sky

碧空やダリアに隠る赤蜻蛉

Hekiku ya daria ni kakuru akatonbo

Dahlia viewing

red dragonflies sit

on the bench

赤蜻蛉ベンチに座りダリア見る

Akatonbo benchi ni suwari daria miru

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (13)

2010-11-02T19:46:00.004+09:00

In the middle of October, I went to the foot of Mt. Komagadake （駒ケ岳） in Akita, where I enjoyed the autumn view of Mt. Hachimantai （八幡平）.

Autumn air

flows around forests

beeches turned yellow

ブナ林を黄色に染める秋気かな

Bunarin o kiiro ni someru shuki kana

Autumn air

enlivens wild life

nuts and berries

山実り秋気野生を活かしけり

Yama minori shuki yasei o ikashi keri

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (12)

2010-10-26T21:42:00.002+09:00

The other day I happened to see such strange sights at the bank of the Omono River （雄物川） in Akita.

I took some pictures of the autumn local scenes before sunset there, about which I wrote haiku.

Purple

mountains floating

autumn colour

秋色の紫の山浮かびけり

Shushoku no murasaki no yama ukabi　keri

Black flocks

resting in the river

autumn birds

黒群の川面に憩う秋の鳥

Kokugun no kawamo ni ikou aki no tori

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (11)

2010-10-19T21:20:00.003+09:00

Soba, like udon and somen, is a typical kind of Japanese noodles. It is made of buckwheat flour. We can eat it hot or cold.

Yesterday I visited redflower buckwheat fields near Lake Tazawa　（田沢湖） at the foot of Mt. Komagadake （駒ヶ岳）in Akita （秋田）.

Red buckwheat

bloom in heights

high spirits

赤い蕎麦気は高揚と岡に咲く

Akai soba ki wa kouyou to oka ni saku

Shop flag sign

fluttering in high tone

fresh soba

新蕎麦や高くひらめく店の旗

Shin soba ya takaku hirameku mise no hata

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (10)

2010-10-12T21:24:00.005+09:00

According to Angelica Kolompar, my haiku friend in Canada, they celebrated Thanksgiving Day recently. I wrote haiku about that day after I visited the apple orchard in Akita.

Young apples

approaching their prime

harvest moon

名月や頂近き青りんご

Meigetsu ya itadaki chikaki ao ringo

Divine brush

coloring apples red

Thanksgiving Day

天の刷毛赤いりんごの感謝祭

Ten no hake akai ringo no kanshasai

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (9)

2010-10-05T19:43:00.004+09:00

At the end of September, I drove up to Mt. Takao （高尾山）, where I took some pictures of the countryside in Akita.　I also wrote haiku after that.

Autumn hue

spreading over the land

the Omono River

秋色や田園深し雄物川

Shuushoku ya denen fukashi Omonogawa

Bear cubs

hunting for chestnuts

harvest moon

名月に熊の子栗を探しけり

Meigetsu ni kuma no ko kuri o sagashi keri

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (8)

2010-09-28T19:50:00.006+09:00

I happened to see cosmoses blooming along the river bank in Akita and wrote haiku that day.

Let cosmos

bloom in their own ways

the wind blowing

風そよぐ咲けよコスモス爛漫と

Kaze soyogu sake yo kosumosu ranman to

The cosmos

expressing themselves ―

symphony

コスモスの表す世界調和かな

Kosumosu no arawasu sekai chowa kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (7)

2010-09-21T22:19:00.003+09:00

We have good harvest time all over Akita. This is one of the most beautiful periods here, just as the name of Akita （秋田） means 'Rice field in autumn'. ' 秋 (Aki)' means 'autumn', and ' 田 (ta)' means 'paddy field'.

Autumn hue

rising clear to eyes

paddy fields

秋色の目にさやかなる稲田かな

Shushoku no me ni sayaka naru inada kana

Abundant ―

waves of rice ears turned

clear golden

豊かさや黄金に染まる稲穂波

Yutakasa ya kogane ni somaru inaho nami

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (6)

2010-09-14T21:50:00.002+09:00

Chiyo-ni (Kaga no Chiyo)(千代尼 1703-1775) was a Japanese poet of the Edo period, widely regarded as one of the greatest female haiku poets.

She is perhaps best known for this haiku:

朝顔に釣瓶とられてもらい水

Asagao ni tsurube torare te morai mizu

morning glory!

the well bucket-entangled,

I ask for water

(trans. Donegan and Ishibashi)

My haiku are as follows:

With the sun

do morning glories rise

another day

日と共に朝顔立てる新たなり

Hi to tomoni asagao tateru arata nari

The storm gone

morning glories turn

deeper blue

嵐止む濃き朝顔の青さかな

Arashi yamu koki asagao no aosa kana

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Autumn (5)

2010-09-07T20:16:00.003+09:00

Recently I found 'obana （尾花）', or Japanese pampas grass flowers called 'susuki (薄）', at the foot of Mt. Chokai　(鳥海山）, in Kisakata (象潟）, Akita.

First susuki flowers

trembling

the sea breeze

初尾花海風立ちてそよぎけり

Hatsu obana 　 kaifu tachi te soyogi keri

The sunset

turning them red

susuki flowers

入日影からだの染まる尾花かな

Irihikage 　karada no somaru 　obana kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (15)

2010-08-31T22:11:00.002+09:00

I write haiku about cicadas, 蝉 (Semi), as the last summer topic in 2010.

Cicadas

singing at night too

neon lights

ネオン灯夜鳴くセミも現れり

Neon tou yoru naku semi mo arawareri

Midnight dews

washing their mouths

cicadas

真夜中の露洗うかなセミの口

Mayonaka no tsuyu arau kana semi no kuchi

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (14)

2010-08-24T21:25:00.002+09:00

I visited Hottai Fall , (法体の滝)(Hottai-no-taki) , at the foot of Mt. Chokai, (鳥海山)(Chokaisan) in Akita the other day.　This is a photo of the fall, where I wrote haiku.

The water

falling white ―

the green pool

滝の水落ちて緑になりにけり

Taki no mizu ochite midori ni narinikeri

Water sound

drowning them out

cicadas

水の音かすかに消える蝉時雨

Mizu no oto kasukani kieru semishigure

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (13)

2010-08-17T22:02:00.007+09:00

Bon Odori （盆踊り）, meaning simply Bon dance is a style of dancing performed during Obon.

These are the photos of Nishimonai Bon Odori （西馬内盆踊り） held in Akita on August 16-18.

Welcome

the spirits of ancestors

Bon dance

歓迎や祖霊が帰り盆踊り

Kangeiya sorei ga kaeri bonodori

Bon dance

reunited in joy

past midnight

盆踊り再会にわき夜更け過ぐ

Bonodori saikai ni waki yofuke sugu

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (12)

2010-08-10T21:51:00.003+09:00

I visited Goshogawara City（五所川原市）, Aomori（青森）, where I enjoyed the Goshogawara Tachinebuta　（五所川原たちねぶた）, "Goshogawara Nebuta Festival".

"Nebuta" refers to the float of a brave warrior-figure which is carried through the center of the city, while dancers wearing a unique type of costumes called haneto （ハネト）prance around in time with the chant Yattemare （ヤッテマレ） .

Nebuta floating ―

Mt. Shirakami into

the darkness

たちねぶた白神山は闇の中

Tachinebuta Shirakamisan wa yami no naka

Tachinebuta ―

mountain gods floating on

the dark street

たちねぶた山の神々練り歩く

Tachinebuta yama no kamigami neri aruku

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (11)

2010-08-03T20:22:00.004+09:00

The Lantern Festival, or the Kanto Festival (竿燈祭）(Kanto-matsuri) , is held on August 3-6 in Akita City. It has a long history associated with prayers for a bountiful harvest of rice.

The shape of the whole Kanto can be compared to that of the ear of rice, all together 46 lanterns, imitating the straw bags of rice, swing at the slightest move, in the form of an abundanat crop of rice.

The highlight of this festival is a parade of stout young men in colorful attire skillfully balancing "kanto" on their shoulders, foreheads, hips and chins without their hands. They compete with each other to demonstrate skillful balancing techniques to the accompaniment of fast-beating drums and high-pitched flutes.

Waves of prayers

lighted up ―

Lantern Festival

竿燈やみのりを祈る黄金波

Kanto ya minori o inoru kogane nami

Performers

spotlighted　―

Lantern Festival

竿燈や妙技に光る差し手衆

Kanto ya myougi ni hikaru sasite shuu

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (10)

2010-07-27T20:19:00.002+09:00

I happened to see trumpet flowers in full bloom at the garden in 弘前 (Hirosaki) , 青森 (Aomori).

High up

do trumpet flowers creep

into the sky

這い上がるのうぜんかずら空の花

Haiagaru nouzenkazura sora no hana

High up

do a troop of ants creep

into the sweet

這い上がるアリの群れ入る甘みかな

Haiagaru ari no mure iru amami kana

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (9)

2010-07-20T21:49:00.003+09:00

I happened to see irises blooming in front of the temple gate, and wrote the following haiku.

From stony earth

do irises bloom

the temple gate

山門や石地を超えてあやめ咲く

Sanmon ya sekichi o koete ayame saku

Irises

perform zazen

the temple gate

山門の座禅を組むやあやめ花

Sanmon no zazen o kumu ya ayamebana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (8)

2010-07-13T19:02:00.002+09:00

The other day I went to the foot of Mt. Chokai （鳥海山） in Akita, and enjoyed the cool around there.

Permanent snow

cools the air

summer solstice

夏至の空万年雪の涼気かな

Geshi no sora mannenyuki no ryouki kana

The shade

bathes in the water

summer isle

夏の島影水中に浴しけり

Natsu no shima kage suichu ni yoku shi keri

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (7)

2010-07-06T22:15:00.003+09:00

Around the middle of June I visited Iris Garden, where irises, Hanaayame(花あやめ）, were in full bloom. As the word Iris means rainbow, iries come in so many colors.

Rainbow

in the earth ―

irises

虹たてり地上に咲きし花あやめ

Niji tateri chijou ni sakishi hana ayame

Irises

think differently ―

the community

群落の思いそれぞれ花あやめ

Gunraku no omoi sorezore hana ayame

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (6)

2010-06-29T22:15:00.004+09:00

I found hydrangeas blooming in front of the stone statues of Jizo Bosatsu　（地蔵菩薩）, the guardian deity for children, also believed to be the divine guardian of travelers and pregnant women.

The soul

stops on the way ―

hydrangeas

紫陽花に魂の足とまりたり

Ajisai ni tamashii no ashi tomaritari

Hydrangeas

bloom at the gate ―

the dreamland

夢の国門に紫陽花咲きにけり

Yumenokuni mon ni ajisai sakinikeri

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (5)

2010-06-22T19:36:00.002+09:00

The other day I happened to see the Dove tree, which is known as the Pocket Handkerchief Tree because the white bracts can be seen to resemble a folded handkerchief around flower heads.

Handkerchiefs

folded on the tree ―

birds warbling

花開くハンカチの木や鳥歌ふ

Hana hiraku hankachi no ki ya tori utau

The handkerchief

tied to the tree ―

birds calling

結ばれしハンカチの木や小鳥なく

Musubare shi hankachi no ki ya kotori naku

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (4)

2010-06-15T20:54:00.002+09:00

The other day I visited the highlands in Akita, where I enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

There were small birds singing and revolving high up in the sky around the rape blossom fields.

I also enjoyed seeing Mt. Chokai (鳥海山）over there.

The skylark

flying up ―

Mt. Chokai

揚雲雀舞ひ上がりたり鳥海山

Agehibari maiagari tari Torimiyama

The skylark

flying into the scent ―

rape blossoms

雲雀の巣菜の花咲ひて香り満つ

Hibari no su nanohana saite kaori mitsu

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (3)

2010-06-08T18:51:00.002+09:00

Recently I happened to find an old pond at the foot of Mt. Taihei (太平山） in Akita.

Early summer ―

wild azalea reflected on

the old pond

初夏やつつじの映える古い池

Hatsunatsu ya tsutsuji no haeru furui ike

Early summer ―

carp floating up

the old pond

初夏や鯉顔を出す古い池

Hatsunatsu ya koi kao o dasu furui ike

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (2)

2010-06-02T11:02:00.002+09:00

There used to be a legendary fairyland called "the Peach Blossom Valley（桃源郷）(Tougenkyo)" under the slope, or 手這坂 (Tehaizaka), in Akita, Japan some hundred years ago.

The steep slope

leading down to peach blossoms ―

the utopia

坂の下桃の花咲くユートピア

Saka no shita momo no hana saku yutopia

The recluses' dream

coming true vividly

the peach blossoms

仙人の夢鮮やかに桃の花

Sen nin no yume azayaka ni momo no hana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Summer (1)

2010-05-25T20:40:00.003+09:00

Summer has already come here to Akita. According to the calendar, May 5 is the first day of summer.

Green hillside

changing its dress ―

wisteria

緑山の衣替えるや藤の花

Ryokuzan no koromo kaeru ya fuji no hana

Cuckoos singing

rice seedlings rooted

in the fields

郭公や水田に根づく稲の苗

Kakkou ya mizuta ni neduku ine no nae

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (13)

2010-05-18T21:06:00.005+09:00

I enjoyed hearing birds singing in verdure, and watching rice fields with young plants at the foot of Mt. Taihei (太平山)　in Akita （秋田）　the other day.

Rice planted

farmers whistling

in the sun

口笛や農夫日向で田植歌

Kuchibue ya noufu hinata de taueuta

Nests made

warblers singing

in the bushes

巣作りや鶯歌ふやぶの中

Sudukuri ya uguisu utau yabu no naka

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (12)

2010-05-11T16:36:00.003+09:00

There used to be Kakunodate High School (秋田県立角館高等学校）, its school yard and so on here at this site in Kakunodate, a castle town, Akita, Northern Honshu, Japan.

Now its school building is at another site.

Misty rain

making cherry blossoms dim

verdure up

霧雨や桜おぼろに緑浮く

Kirisame ya sakura oboro ni midori uku

Misty rain

making memories dim

new dreams up

霧雨や思い出遠し夢新た

Kirisame ya omoide toushi yume arata

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (11)

2010-05-04T14:21:00.004+09:00

Kakunodate(角館） in Akita , Northern Honshu, Japan, used to be a castle town, which is famous for the beautiful cherry trees.

The cherry walk

parallels Kajikase River

in full bloom

桜咲き鰍瀬川と並びたり

Sakura saki Kajikasegawa to narabitari

Kajikase River

flows in the breeze

blossom-viewing

風そよぐ鰍瀬川の花見かな

Kaze soyogu Kajikasegawa no hanami kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (10)

2010-04-27T14:51:00.003+09:00

I went to Miharu-machi, a town located in Tamura District, Fukushima, Japan, where I enjoyed the cherry blossoms.

Miharu（三春） is home of one of the national treasure cherry trees.

Takizakura(滝桜）, or waterfall cherry tree, is over 1000 years old.

Cherry blossoms

falling from the air

heavenly

滝桜空より降りぬ天花かな

Takizakura sora yori furi nu tenka kana

Blossom-viewing

absorbed in beauties

paradise

楽園や美に魅せられて花と化す

Rakuen ya bi ni miserare te hana to kasu

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (9)

2010-04-20T22:52:00.007+09:00

This afternoon I saw skunk cabbages come out in the marshes.

The plants are called ' 水芭蕉（Ｍｉｚｕｂａｓｈｏｕ） '　or, 'Basho in the waters', because they look like the leaves of a basho tree, a variety of banana tree that bears no fruit.

Matsuo Basho（松尾芭蕉）is said to have been named after this basho tree, because he planted it in his garden and loved the basho tree.

According to the PREFACE in The Narrow Road to Oku by Donald Keene, the name Basho was derived from a tree in his garden: in 1681, when he moved to a bleak area of the city of Edo, he planted a basho tree in order to improve the appearence of the garden. The basho, a variety of banana tree that bears no fruit, had a special meaning for poets: its broad green leaves are easily torn by the wind, a ready symbol for the sensitivity of the poet. Visitors began to refer to the place as the Basho-an (Cottage of the Basho Tree), and before long Basho was using the name for himself.

Skunk cabbages are also used to denote another plant ' 座禅草(Zazensou) ', which is similar to

' 水芭蕉' in the form or shape, but different in the color and the place where they grow.

' 水芭蕉' has green leaves and white covers for its flowers, grows in the marshes, and blooms early in summer, so it is used as the season word of summer.

' 座禅草' has purple leaves and dark purple covers for its flowers, grows in the hills or in the mountains, and blooms in spring, but it isn't used as the season word. Maybe this is because it can't be found nearby.

The similarity is that both of them look as if they sat practising zazen.

Skunk cabbages

returned to life

spring light

春光や座禅草野に生き返る

Shunkou ya zazensou no ni ikikaeru

Skunk cabbages

meditating

first zazen

水芭蕉ただ黙想す初座禅

Mizubashou tada mokusousu hatsu zazen

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (8)

2010-04-13T20:45:00.003+09:00

The other day I went around the gate of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. And I found the cherry blossoms in bloom there.

Cherry blossoms

brighten the moat

Castle Gate

桜花輝く堀に城の門

Sakura bana kagayaku hori ni shiro no mon

Castle moat

in fascination

cherry blossoms

城の堀魅せられたりや桜花

Shiro no hori miserare tari ya sakura bana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (7)

2010-04-06T20:06:00.002+09:00

The other day I happened to go to the foot of Mt. Taihei （太平山）in Akita City.

Spring mountain

taking a deep breath

in the sun

日を浴びて呼吸や深し春の山

Hi o abite kokyuu ya fukasi haru no yama

The setting sun

shading spring mountain

into dusk

夕日影春の山染め黄昏へ

Yuuhi kage haru no yama some tasogare e

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (6)

2010-03-31T15:22:00.006+09:00

On a spring day I happened to take a stroll in the woods after it snowed that morning.

I found butterburs come out in the fields.

Butterburs

come out of the ground ―

the spirits of the earth

地の精や蕗の薹野に出でにけり

Chi no sei ya fuki no tou no ni ide ni keri

Spring snow

washes the spirits ―

purified

春の雪精を洗ひて清めけり

Haru no yuki sei o arai te kiyome keri

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (5)

2010-03-23T21:27:00.002+09:00

Camellia is translated into Japanese as '椿' (tsubaki), which is made up of two words, ' 木 ' (tree) and '春 ' (spring). This shows that 'camellia' is the tree which announces spring.

Camellias

open the curtain

red petals out

幕開けて赤い花咲く椿かな

Maku ake te akai hana saku tsubaki kana

Camellias

brighten the yard

zen temple there

椿咲き禅寺の庭輝けり

Tsubaki saki zen dera no niwa kagayakeri

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (4)

2010-03-16T20:33:00.002+09:00

Some birds are gone and others are coming here in Akita.

The pheasant

appears in the sun

leading wildlife

日向ぼこ雉現れる先駆けて

Hinataboko kiji arawareru sakigakete

The pheasant

greets in the sun

assuming a pose

日向ぼこ雉会釈するポーズとり

Hinataboko kiji eshakusuru pouzu tori

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (3)

2010-03-09T21:30:00.002+09:00

Here in Akita spring has just begun to display its own phases around us.

Beside rocks

adonis come out ―

the new stage

岩の間の花美しき福寿草

Iwa no ma no hana utsukusiki fukujusou

On the stage

adonis shine out ―

the new light

初舞台色輝けり福寿草

Hatsubutai iro kagayakeri fukujusou

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (2)

2010-03-03T08:25:00.004+09:00

I happened to see birds moving in pine woods on a warm spring day.

Early spring ―

worms feel warm

in atmosphere

早春や大気が虫を暖める

Soushun ya taiki ga mushi o atatameru

Early spring ―

birds quicken their motion

in cravings

早春や鳥もの欲しと動き疾し

Soushun ya tori mono hoshi to ugoki toshi

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Spring (1)

2010-02-23T20:03:00.004+09:00

I post haiku about the tug-of-war between spring and winter.

Spring is gradually showing its power and energy over winter about this time of the year.

Tug - of - war

the frozen ropes thawing

spring boat

止め綱の氷解けたる岸の舟

tomezuna no koori toke taru kishi no fune

Tug - of - war

the bald branches budding

spring willow

引く力張られて芽吹く柳かな

hiku chikara harare te mebuku yanagi kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (8)

2010-02-16T20:38:00.003+09:00

I post haiku I wrote when I visited Senshu Park （千秋公園） in Akita （秋田）.

The bronze man

in yearning ―

spring skies

ブロンズの男憧る春の空

buronzu no otoko akogaru haru no sora

The snowman

in rejoicing ―

winter skies

雪達磨座して喜ぶ冬の空

yuki daruma zashi te yorokobu fuyu no sora

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (7)

2010-02-09T22:21:00.002+09:00

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822), a British poet, wrote, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” in his poetry ‘Ode to the West Wind ’ (1819).

The winter tide

flowing near in front ―

this river

この川の近きを流る冬の潮

Kono kawa no chikaki o nagaru haru no shio

The spring tide

flowing far behind ―

that river

あの川の彼方を流る春の潮

Ano kawa no kanata o nagaru haru no shio

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (6)

2010-02-02T20:51:00.003+09:00

Let me post haiku about 'Snow Fairy （雪女）(yuki onna)'.

According to Edo Period(1603-1867) folk legend, the yuki onna(snow woman) is the apparition of a beautiful, but terrifyingly seductive lady who mysteriously appeares only when it snows.

After the storm passes, her victims are often found dead. She is thought to be a form of deity of the New Year who visits people at the end of the year.

A lost man

in such a blizzard

snow fairy

吹き荒ぶ旅の道連れ雪女

Fukisusabu tabi no michi zure yuki onna

Candles lit

where does she blow to

snow fairy

灯火にどこに吹かるる雪女

Tomoshibi ni dokoni fukaruru yuki onna

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (5)

2010-01-26T15:06:00.003+09:00

On January 23, 2010, Bonden Festival in Akita （梵天祭り）（秋田）appeared in 'Special Galleries .....DARUMA MUSEUM (03)' by Dr. Gabi Greve in Okayama, Japan.

The site address is : http://darumamuseumgallery.blogspot.com/.

Another blog by Dr. Gabi Greve, 'WKD-Saijiki for Festivals and Ceremonies' is also of much interest. Please check out the address: http://wkdfestivalsaijiki.blogspot.com/.

Here now, let me post some haiku and a photo of Bonden Festival in Akita.

Sending out steam

dedicating Bonden

New Year's Festival

湯気立てて梵天納む寒祭り

yuge tatete Bonden osamu kan matsuri

The first Bonden

rushing into the shrine

Coming-of-age Feast

成人の梵天宮に初名告

seijin no Bonden miya ni hatsu nanori

From Hindu skies

does the wild goose carry

Bonten

ヒンドゥーの空の梵天雁運ぶ

Hinduu no sora no Bonten gan hakobu

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (4)

2010-01-19T19:15:00.007+09:00

My haiku appeared on the Asahi Haikuist Network by David McMurray on January 1 and 15.

One of them is this: http://www.asahi.com/english/haiku/.

From Heaven's hand

do snowflakes spill

falling stars

神の手のこぼす雪片星降りぬ

kami no te no kobosu seppen hoshi furinu

A cup of tea

keeps us cozy ―

snowy garden

雪の庭一杯のお茶に温もれり

yuki no niwa ippai no ocha ni nukumore ri

Haiku about Winter (3)

2010-01-12T20:50:00.002+09:00

I visited Senshu Park （千秋公園）in Akita on January 11.

Garden viewing

snow sits on the bench

evergreens

庭景色ベンチの雪見る常緑樹

niwa geshiki benchi no yuki miru jouryokuju

The old pond

reflects winter sky

carp unmoving

冬空を映す古池鯉静か

fuyu zora wo utsusu furu ike koi sizuka

― Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (2)

2010-01-05T20:09:00.002+09:00

The old bear

dreams of eternity

a bamboo grove

竹林の老ひし熊見る永遠の夢

chikurin no oishi kuma miru towa no yume

In the snow

too cold for the lute

into silence

雪の中琵琶の音凍へ静寂へと

yuki no naka biwa no ne kogoe shijima e to

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Winter (1)

2009-12-29T19:03:00.003+09:00

On December 25, I visited the foot of Mt. Taihei（太平山）, Akita.

The winter sun

breaks ―

Mt. Taihei

冬日差し山気緩むや太平山

fuyubi sashi sanki yurumu ya Taiheizan

The rice fields

hibernate ―

snow cover

雪覆ひ眠りに就きし稲田かな

yuki ooi nemuri ni tsukishi inada kana

―　Hidenori Hiruta

Haiku about Swans

2009-12-22T20:29:00.004+09:00

On the afternoon of December 17, I was taking a walk along the bank of the Omono River　(雄物川） in Akita.　Then I heard swans shouting by the river bank and found them taking a break during their flight, departing from the snowy fields for the south.

Swan grooming

by the reed bank ―

on the way

白鳥の途の繕ひ葦の岸

hakucho no michi no tsukuroi ashi no kishi

Migratory swans

stay anywhere free

expecting guests

白鳥の到来望む身は自由

hakucho no tourai nozomu mi wa jiyu

―　Hidenori Hiruta