The Little Book of Haiku

This short book features haiku by Basho, Buson, Issa, and a smattering from other poets. The short introduction sets the stage, and emphasizes the Zen influence, stating "Elements of compassion, silence, and awareness of temporality often combine to reveal a sense of mystery". Basho exemplifies the more classical approach "Nothing in the cry / of cicadas suggests they / are about to die". I particularly was surprised by Issa's more personal poetry, sounding very modern " The spring begins; old / stupidities repeated, / new errs invented" or " My dear old village, every memory of home / pierces like a thorn. " This is a delightful book to throw in the car for a few minutes when waiting.