Haiku: An Anthology of Japanese Poems by Stephen Addiss

Haiku: An Anthology of Japanese Poems by Stephen Addiss seems more than a book of Japanese poems. I found it to be more of a window to an alternate universe. Most books do that in a way, but this time it brought me to an ancient time where nature was respected and cherished, and Japanese monks and samurai roamed Japan. The poems, though translated, still evoke a certain purity of nature in various stages. I must say that I was a bit disappointed that the translation didn't use the teikei haiku 5-7-5 pattern, but used the irregular jiyuritsu haiku style. Maybe the poems were like this, or maybe the translation would have been harder or even less polished. Since I am by no means an expert in haiku, I do take what I am given. 

This book, in a way is like its poems, seems cut somehow. It is polished, but still seems not a finished product. I dare to compare it with a piece of glass that was polished by the sea. Because the entire book appears strictly sectioned somehow. The introduction gives you some basic knowledge about the history of the haiku and how it became what it is today. Then, you get the 3 chapters of poems with beautiful Japanese drawings. 

One chapter is about contemplation of nature from spring to winter.

"Highlighting the blossoms,

clouded by blossoms—

the moon" —CHORA

The second chapter has poems about people doing regular things but so wondrous from a detached point of view.

"Spring rains—

a child teaches the cat

a dance"—ISSA

The third part has more abstract poems, called "Resonance and reverberation".

"Sharing the same blood

but we’re not related—

the hateful mosquito!" —JŌSŌ

After the poems you get a chapter describing the Poets, one about the Artists,  and a final chapter with the name of each illustration in the book. If you were remotely interested in Japanese culture, I would say this book is a start and, apparently Stephen Addiss is an expert in Japanese culture. I did like reading it while in bed while listening to Japanese chill-out music. It was truly relaxing.