Matsuo Bashō Quotes
Matsuo Bashō Quotes
This autumn-
why am I growing old?
bird disappearing among clouds.
2842 Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought.
4645 Summer grasses,
All that remains
Of soldiers' dreams
4784 Winter solitude-
in a world of one colour
the sound of the wind.
2860 Real poetry, is to lead a beautiful life. To live poetry is better than to write it.
2847 When composing a verse let there not be a hair's breath separating your mind from what you write; composition of a poem must be done in an instant, like a woodcutter felling a huge tree or a swordsman leaping at a dangerous enemy.
3702 Do not follow the ancient masters, seek what they sought.
2300 When a country is defeated, there remain only mountains and rivers, and on a ruined castle in spring only grasses thrive. I sat down on my hat and wept bitterly till I almost forgot time.
A thicket of summer grass
Is all that remains
Of the dreams and ambitions
Of ancient warriors.
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