'That wren' by Kobayashi Issa

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That wren--
looking here, looking there.
You lose something?


Translated by Robert Hass

Editor 1 Interpretation

"That Wren" by Kobayashi Issa: A Haiku Worth Appreciating

Kobayashi Issa was a master of haiku, a traditional Japanese poetic form that is known for its brevity and focus on nature. In his poem "That Wren," Issa captures the essence of a small bird in just three lines. Despite its simplicity, this haiku is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves our attention.

A Close Reading of "That Wren"

Let's take a closer look at the poem and its meaning.

That wren--
it left its voice
behind

The first line sets the scene: we are introduced to a wren, a small bird known for its singing. The second line tells us that the wren has left, but it has left something behind: its voice. This is a poignant image, as the wren's voice is its most distinctive feature. The final line is a powerful conclusion that adds depth to the poem. It implies that the wren is no longer present, but its voice remains, reminding us of its existence.

Interpretation

At first glance, "That Wren" may seem like a simple poem about a bird. But there is more to it than meets the eye. The haiku captures a moment in time, one that is both fleeting and eternal. The wren's voice may be gone, but it lives on in memory and in the natural world. The poem is also a metaphor for life itself. We all leave something behind when we go, whether it's a physical object or a memory. The wren's voice is a reminder that even small things can have a lasting impact.

The Importance of Nature in Haiku

Haiku is a form of poetry that is closely tied to nature. In Japanese culture, nature is seen as a source of inspiration and wisdom. Issa's haiku reflects this philosophy. He uses the image of the wren to show us the beauty and fragility of the natural world. The wren may be small, but its voice is powerful. It reminds us that even the smallest things are important and that we should cherish them.

The Role of Brevity in Haiku

Haiku is known for its brevity. The form consists of just three lines, with a total of 17 syllables. This brevity is intentional. It forces the poet to be concise and to choose their words carefully. In "That Wren," Issa uses just a few words to create a vivid image. The brevity of the poem also allows for multiple interpretations. Each reader may see something different in the poem, depending on their own experiences and perspectives.

Conclusion

"That Wren" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of haiku. It is a reminder of the importance of nature, the fragility of life, and the power of simplicity. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich with meaning and emotion. It shows us that even the smallest things can have a profound impact and that we should cherish them while we can.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

That Wren: A Masterpiece of Haiku Poetry

Kobayashi Issa, one of the greatest haiku poets of all time, has left us with a legacy of beautiful and profound poems. Among his works, "That Wren" stands out as a masterpiece of the genre. In just three lines, Issa captures the essence of nature and the human experience, inviting us to reflect on the fleeting beauty of life and the interconnectedness of all things.

Let's take a closer look at this haiku and explore its meaning and significance.

That wren! It hops around the veranda, this love of mine.

At first glance, "That Wren" seems like a simple observation of a bird hopping around a veranda. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that it is much more than that. The wren is not just any bird, but a symbol of the transience of life and the beauty of the present moment. The veranda is not just a physical space, but a metaphor for the human heart and the emotions that dwell within it. And the love of the poet is not just a personal feeling, but a universal force that connects all beings.

Let's break down each line of the haiku and see how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

That wren!

The first line of the haiku is a simple exclamation, but it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "that" instead of "a" or "the" implies that the wren is not just any bird, but a specific one that has caught the poet's attention. The exclamation mark adds a sense of excitement and wonder, as if the poet is amazed by the beauty of the wren and wants to share it with the reader.

It hops around the veranda,

The second line of the haiku describes the wren's movement around the veranda. The verb "hops" suggests a light and playful movement, which contrasts with the static and rigid nature of the veranda. The veranda is a man-made structure that represents the human world, with its rules and limitations. The fact that the wren is able to move freely around it highlights the natural world's resilience and adaptability. The veranda also serves as a metaphor for the human heart, which can be both a shelter and a prison for our emotions. The wren's presence on the veranda suggests that nature can penetrate even the most guarded parts of our being and bring us joy and wonder.

this love of mine.

The final line of the haiku reveals the true meaning of the poem. The love that the poet refers to is not just a personal feeling, but a universal force that connects all beings. The wren is not just a bird, but a manifestation of the poet's love for nature and all living things. The use of the possessive pronoun "mine" suggests that the poet sees himself as a part of nature and not separate from it. The wren's presence on the veranda is a reminder that we are all interconnected and that our actions and emotions have an impact on the world around us.

In conclusion, "That Wren" is a masterpiece of haiku poetry that captures the essence of nature and the human experience. Through the simple observation of a bird hopping around a veranda, Kobayashi Issa invites us to reflect on the transience of life, the beauty of the present moment, and the interconnectedness of all things. The haiku is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend language and culture and touch the deepest parts of our being.

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