Matsuo Bashō Quotes

This autumn-
why am I growing old?
bird disappearing among clouds.

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought.

Summer grasses,
All that remains
Of soldiers' dreams

Winter solitude-
in a world of one colour
the sound of the wind.

Real poetry, is to lead a beautiful life. To live poetry is better than to write it.

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.

Do not follow the ancient masters, seek what they sought.

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.