Listen to this poem using the player above.
A poem about one of the most beautiful places on the planet. I’ve spent quite a bit of time there over the years. I’m translating this one into Japanese, but it’s a difficult process for me.
Matsushima
we sat at the stern of the boat
tossing shrimp-flavored snacks
to the trailing gulls
in the picture, I am smiling
hundreds of tiny islands, each
with its own pine tree
like a flag planted by Mother Earth
“I claim this island in my own name”
Basho, tongue tied, brush quivering
could write nothing but the name
of the place and an exclamation
“ah!”
after, we made tea in a cast-iron pot
suspended from the roof beams
over the coals of the fire
in this picture, too, I am smiling
[…] Matsushima ya Posted on March 17, 2011 by Dave Bonta Waves at Matsushima by Tawaraya Sotatsu (fl. ca. 1600-1643) Matsushima is a group of islands in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. There are some 260 tiny islands (shima) covered in pines (matsu) — hence the name — and is ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan. Matsushima was very seriously damaged by the Tsunami following the Sendai earthquake in March 2011, with more than 600 people killed. —Wikipedia, “Matsushima” hundreds of tiny islands, each with its own pine tree like a flag planted by Mother Earth —Jason Crane, “Matsushima” […]