Generic[?] Haiku II

fall transmuting burnt-

out green of summer

soon into red gold

-R. Angeli

***

Make the universe your companion, always bearing in mind the true nature of things--mountains and rivers, trees and grasses, and humanity--and enjoy the falling blossoms and scattering leaves.

One should know that a hokku is made by combining things.

The secret of poetry lies in treading the middle path between the reality and the vacuity of the the world.

One must first of all concentrate one's thoughts on an object. Once one's mind achieves a state of concentration and the space between oneself and the object has disappeared, the essential nature of the object can be perceived.

When you are composing a verse, let there not be a hair's breadth separating your mind from what you write. Quickly say what is on your mind; never hesitate a moment.

Composition must occur in an instant, like a woodcutter felling a huge tree, or a swordsman leaping at his enemy. It is also like cutting a ripe watermelon with a sharp knife or like taking a large bite into a pear.

Is there any good in saying everything?

-Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) From his treatise on poetry, LEARN FROM THE PINE