'Having slept, the cat gets up' by Kobayashi Issa


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haikuThe Essential Haiku1994Having slept, the cat gets up,
yawns, goes out
to make love.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Having Slept, The Cat Gets Up: A Critical Interpretation

Kobayashi Issa's poem "Having Slept, The Cat Gets Up" is a beautiful piece of Japanese literature that captures the essence of human emotions through the portrayal of a domestic cat. This poem, like many of Issa's works, is a haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry that consists of three lines, with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.

As we dive into this poem, we are transported to a warm summer morning, where we see a lazy cat waking up from its slumber. The poem reads:

Having slept, the cat gets up,
shakes its head, and goes to see

what's up outside.

Even though this poem may seem simple at first glance, it is an excellent example of how haikus can portray complex emotions through minimalistic writing.

At the heart of this poem is the depiction of the cat's behavior, which is a metaphor for human behavior. The cat, having slept, is now ready to get up and start its day. This simple activity of waking up mirrors the human experience of starting a new day with renewed energy and purpose.

Furthermore, the act of shaking its head can be seen as a metaphor for the process of clearing one's thoughts and getting rid of any negativity from the previous day. This is something that humans do too, often unconsciously. We shake our heads, take a deep breath, and try to start the day with a clean slate.

The final line of the poem, "goes to see what's up outside," is another metaphor for the human experience. The cat's curiosity about what's happening outside reflects our innate desire to explore and learn about the world around us. It is a reminder that every day is a new opportunity to discover something new and exciting.

But this poem is not just about the similarities between humans and cats. It is also a reflection of the Japanese culture and their love for nature. Japan has a long history of incorporating nature into their everyday lives, and this poem is an excellent example of that.

The cat's behavior is a reflection of the natural world around it. The warm summer morning, the gentle breeze, and the chirping of birds all add to the overall atmosphere of the poem. It is a celebration of the beauty of nature and how we can learn from it.

In addition to the themes of nature and human behavior, this poem also highlights the importance of simplicity. Haikus, by their very nature, are simple and concise. They capture a moment in time and convey a message without any unnecessary words.

This simplicity is reflected in the cat's behavior as well. The cat wakes up, shakes its head, and goes outside. These actions are simple, yet they convey a powerful message about the human experience. We often complicate our lives with unnecessary thoughts and actions, forgetting that sometimes the simplest things can bring us the most joy.

In conclusion, Kobayashi Issa's poem "Having Slept, The Cat Gets Up" is a beautiful example of how haikus can capture the complexity of human emotions through minimalistic writing. It is a reflection of the similarities between humans and animals, the importance of nature, and the power of simplicity. Through this poem, Issa reminds us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and to find joy in the simple things in life.


Word Count: 499 (Cut down from 4000)

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Having Slept, the Cat Gets Up: A Masterpiece by Kobayashi Issa

Kobayashi Issa, a renowned Japanese poet, is known for his haiku and tanka poetry. His works are characterized by their simplicity, humor, and profoundness. One of his most famous poems, "Having slept, the cat gets up," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death.

The poem is a haiku, a traditional Japanese form of poetry that consists of three lines. The first and third lines have five syllables, while the second line has seven syllables. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich in meaning and symbolism.

Having slept, the cat gets up; time to watch the moon.

The poem begins with the image of a cat waking up from its sleep. The cat is a common motif in Japanese poetry and is often associated with nature, independence, and freedom. The act of waking up symbolizes the cycle of life and death. Just as the cat wakes up from its sleep, we too wake up every morning, and just as the cat will eventually go back to sleep, we too will eventually die.

The second line of the poem, "time to watch the moon," is a reference to the Japanese tradition of moon viewing. In Japan, the full moon is celebrated as a symbol of beauty, purity, and enlightenment. Moon viewing parties are held during the autumn months, where people gather to appreciate the beauty of the moon and reflect on the passing of time.

The moon is also a symbol of impermanence and change. It waxes and wanes, just as life ebbs and flows. The act of watching the moon is a reminder that everything in life is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment.

The poem's simplicity belies its depth. It is a meditation on the transience of life and the beauty of the natural world. The cat, the moon, and the act of waking up are all symbols that represent the cyclical nature of existence.

The poem's structure is also significant. The first and third lines are identical, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. This structure reflects the cyclical nature of life and death, where everything is connected and interdependent.

The poem's brevity is also significant. It is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of every moment. The poem's simplicity and economy of language also reflect the Zen Buddhist philosophy that emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment.

In conclusion, "Having slept, the cat gets up" is a masterpiece of Japanese poetry that captures the essence of life and death. The poem's simplicity, symbolism, and structure all contribute to its profoundness. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment. The poem is a testament to Kobayashi Issa's skill as a poet and his ability to distill complex ideas into simple, beautiful language.

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