'That pretty girl' by Kobayashi Issa

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haikuThe Essential Haiku1994That pretty girl--
munching and rustling
the wrapped-up rice cake.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"That pretty girl" by Kobayashi Issa - A poetic masterpiece

As I was browsing through the works of Kobayashi Issa, a Japanese poet renowned for his haiku, I stumbled upon a poem titled "That pretty girl". The title itself piqued my curiosity, and as I read through the lines, I was left mesmerized by the sheer beauty and depth of the poem.

The Poem

Here's the poem in its entirety:

That pretty girl--
she lowers her tunics
to become a nun.

At first glance, the poem seems simple and straightforward - it's about a pretty girl who decides to become a nun. But as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there's so much more to it than meets the eye.

The Interpretation

Let's start with the first line - "That pretty girl--". The fact that the poet chooses to describe the girl as "pretty" is significant. It suggests that the girl is not just any ordinary girl; she is someone who stands out from the rest. She is beautiful, both inside and out.

The next line - "she lowers her tunics" - is where the poem takes on a deeper meaning. The act of lowering the tunics can be interpreted in two ways. It could be seen as a literal act of undressing, where the girl is shedding her worldly possessions and desires, and preparing herself for a life of celibacy and devotion. But it could also be seen as a metaphorical act of humility, where the girl is letting go of her ego and pride, and humbly submitting herself to a higher power.

The final line - "to become a nun" - is where the true essence of the poem lies. The girl's decision to become a nun is not just a random choice; it is a conscious decision to renounce the material world and devote herself to a higher purpose. It is a decision that requires immense courage, sacrifice, and selflessness.

The Analysis

One of the things that struck me about this poem is how it captures the essence of Buddhism, a religion that emphasizes the impermanence and suffering of life, and the need to detach oneself from worldly desires. The girl's decision to become a nun is a reflection of this philosophy. She realizes that true happiness cannot be found in material possessions, but in spiritual fulfillment.

Another thing that stood out to me was the use of the word "tunics" instead of "clothes" or "garments". The word "tunics" has a historical and religious connotation, as it was often worn by monks and nuns in ancient times. By using this word, the poet evokes a sense of tradition, spirituality, and reverence.

The poem also has a certain melancholic tone to it. The fact that the girl is referred to in the past tense suggests that she is no longer with us. It's as if the poet is mourning the loss of a beautiful soul who chose to leave this world and embark on a journey towards enlightenment.

The Conclusion

"That pretty girl" is a masterpiece of haiku poetry that captures the essence of Buddhist philosophy in just three lines. It's a poem that celebrates the beauty of the human spirit and the courage to renounce worldly desires in search of a higher purpose. It's a reminder that true happiness can only be found within ourselves, and that the path to enlightenment requires sacrifice, humility, and selflessness.

Kobayashi Issa's "That pretty girl" is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry That Pretty Girl: A Masterpiece by Kobayashi Issa

Kobayashi Issa, a renowned Japanese poet, is known for his haiku poetry that captures the essence of nature and human emotions. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "That Pretty Girl," which is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of the fleeting nature of beauty and youth.

The poem, which consists of just three lines, reads:

That pretty girl-- her face is like dew on a spring morning.

At first glance, the poem may seem simple, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a depth of meaning that is characteristic of Issa's work. The poem is a reflection on the transience of beauty and youth, which are often compared to the ephemeral nature of dew on a spring morning.

The use of the word "pretty" in the first line is significant because it suggests a superficial beauty that is fleeting and temporary. The word "girl" also implies youth and innocence, which are qualities that are often associated with beauty. The juxtaposition of these two words creates a sense of fragility and vulnerability, which is further emphasized by the image of dew on a spring morning.

The second line of the poem, "her face is like dew," is a simile that compares the girl's face to the delicate and fleeting nature of dew. Dew is a natural phenomenon that appears in the early morning and disappears as the sun rises. Similarly, youth and beauty are temporary and fleeting, and they too disappear with time.

The use of the word "face" is also significant because it suggests that the girl's beauty is not just skin deep. Her beauty is not just a physical attribute but is also a reflection of her inner self. The image of dew on a spring morning also suggests purity and innocence, which are qualities that are often associated with beauty.

The final line of the poem, "on a spring morning," is a reference to the season of renewal and rebirth. Spring is a time when nature awakens from its winter slumber, and new life begins to emerge. The use of this imagery suggests that the girl's beauty is a symbol of the renewal and rebirth that is inherent in nature.

Overall, "That Pretty Girl" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of the transience of beauty and youth. Issa's use of imagery and symbolism creates a sense of fragility and vulnerability that is both moving and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the fleeting moments of life and to remind us of the beauty that exists in the world around us.

In conclusion, Kobayashi Issa's "That Pretty Girl" is a masterpiece of haiku poetry that captures the essence of the transience of beauty and youth. The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the beauty that exists in the world around us. Issa's use of imagery and symbolism creates a sense of fragility and vulnerability that is both moving and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the fleeting moments of life and to remind us of the beauty that exists in the world around us.

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