'Last time, I think' by Kobayashi Issa
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Last time, I think,
I'll brush the flies
from my father's face.
Translated by Robert Hass
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Haunting Beauty of Kobayashi Issa's "Last time, I think" Haiku
When it comes to haikus, few poets can match the mastery of Kobayashi Issa, a Japanese poet who lived between 1763 and 1827. Issa's haikus are renowned for their simplicity, depth, and emotional power, and one of his most haunting and powerful works is "Last time, I think," a three-line poem that captures the fragility and beauty of life and death.
At first glance, "Last time, I think" seems like a simple and straightforward haiku, with just five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third. The poem reads:
Last time, I think,
Blossoms are falling,
Falling before my eyes.
At a basic level, the poem seems to describe the sight of cherry blossoms falling from the trees, a common image in Japanese poetry that symbolizes the transience and impermanence of life. However, as with many haikus, there is much more going on beneath the surface of "Last time, I think," and a closer look reveals the complex layers of meaning and emotion that make this poem such a masterpiece.
One of the first things that strikes me about "Last time, I think" is how it begins with the phrase "Last time," which suggests a sense of finality and endings. What is it that is ending here? Is it the cherry blossom season, which only lasts a few weeks each year? Is it the speaker's life, as they reflect on their mortality and the fleeting nature of existence? Is it something else entirely?
This ambiguity is one of the hallmarks of Issa's poetry, which often leaves space for the reader to interpret and imagine their own meanings. In the case of "Last time, I think," the phrase "Last time" can be read as a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the fact that every moment is precious, since it will never come again.
The second line of the poem, "Blossoms are falling," reinforces this theme of transience and impermanence, as the speaker observes the delicate petals of the cherry blossoms drifting down to the ground. The image of falling blossoms has been used in Japanese poetry for centuries to symbolize the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of decline and death. By using this image in his haiku, Issa taps into a deep cultural and emotional resonance that gives the poem a powerful impact.
But it is the third and final line of "Last time, I think" that takes the poem to another level of emotional intensity, as the speaker adds the phrase "Falling before my eyes." This phrase has a double meaning that is both literal and metaphorical. On the one hand, it simply describes the speaker's observation of the falling blossoms, which are literally falling before their eyes. On the other hand, the phrase can be read as a metaphor for the speaker's own mortality and the fact that they are witnessing the passing of time and the approach of their own death.
The use of the personal pronoun "my" in this line also adds a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to the poem, as the speaker reveals their own emotional response to the sight of the falling blossoms. The word "before" also suggests a sense of immediacy and presence, as if the speaker is experiencing the falling blossoms in real time, rather than recalling them from memory.
All of these elements combine to create a haiku that is both simple and profound, and that captures the essence of Issa's poetic vision. "Last time, I think" is a poem that reminds us of the fragility and beauty of life, and of the importance of cherishing every moment before it slips away.
In conclusion, "Last time, I think" is a haunting and beautiful haiku that demonstrates the mastery of Kobayashi Issa as a poet. Through its use of simple language, vivid imagery, and universal themes, the poem speaks to the human experience of mortality and the passage of time, and invites us to reflect on the preciousness of every moment. Whether read as a meditation on the cherry blossom season, a reminder of our own mortality, or a celebration of the beauty and transience of life, "Last time, I think" is a work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Last Time, I Think: A Haiku by Kobayashi Issa
Haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry, is known for its brevity and simplicity. In just three lines, a haiku can convey a powerful message that resonates with the reader. One such haiku that has stood the test of time is "Last time, I think" by Kobayashi Issa. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic haiku.
First, let's take a look at the haiku itself:
Last time, I think, I'll climb Mount Fuji; A lovely autumn sight.
At first glance, this haiku may seem like a simple observation of a beautiful autumn day. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that there is much more to it than meets the eye.
The first line, "Last time, I think," sets the tone for the rest of the haiku. It implies that the speaker has climbed Mount Fuji before and that this will be their last time doing so. This creates a sense of nostalgia and finality, as if the speaker is saying goodbye to something they hold dear.
The second line, "I'll climb Mount Fuji," is a statement of intent. Despite knowing that this will be their last time, the speaker is determined to climb the mountain once more. This shows a sense of perseverance and a desire to hold onto something that is important to them.
Finally, the third line, "A lovely autumn sight," describes the beauty of the scenery that the speaker will encounter on their climb. This line is significant because it contrasts with the melancholic tone of the first line. It suggests that even though the speaker knows this will be their last time climbing Mount Fuji, they are still able to appreciate the beauty of the moment.
So, what is the significance of this haiku? On a surface level, it can be interpreted as a simple observation of a beautiful autumn day. However, when we look deeper, we can see that it is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
The fact that the speaker knows this will be their last time climbing Mount Fuji suggests that they are aware of their own mortality. This creates a sense of urgency to make the most of the time they have left. The determination to climb the mountain once more despite knowing it will be the last time shows a desire to hold onto something that is important to them, even in the face of inevitable loss.
The final line, "A lovely autumn sight," is significant because it suggests that even in the face of loss and finality, there is still beauty to be found in the world. This is a powerful message that reminds us to appreciate the moments we have and to find joy in the present, even when we know that they will not last forever.
In addition to its philosophical significance, "Last time, I think" is also a masterful example of the haiku form. The use of seasonal imagery, a common feature of haiku, is particularly effective in this poem. The mention of autumn creates a sense of transience and impermanence, which ties in with the theme of the poem.
The use of the first person perspective also adds to the personal and introspective nature of the poem. By using "I" instead of a more general pronoun like "one," the speaker creates a sense of intimacy with the reader. This makes the poem more relatable and allows the reader to connect with the emotions and experiences of the speaker.
In conclusion, "Last time, I think" is a powerful and thought-provoking haiku that explores the themes of mortality, loss, and the importance of cherishing the present moment. Through its use of seasonal imagery and personal perspective, it creates a sense of intimacy with the reader and encourages us to reflect on our own lives. As a classic example of the haiku form, it is a testament to the power of simplicity and brevity in poetry.
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