translated by John Stevens
“Who says my poems are poems?
my poems are not poems.
After you know my poems are not poems,
Then we can begin to discuss poetry!”
Ryokan has said.
Recently, being provoked by conversation with Yvonne, our childrens expert and a poetry fan, I decided to reread Ryokan.
Ryokan was born in Japan around 1758 and threw himself into the Katsura River committing suicide in 1795. This hermit monk was beloved for his poetry and his character. His poetry being deceptively simple celebrating nature and a natural life.
I love reading Ryokan’s poems. Emotion, solitude, raindrops, moonlight, blooming flowers, and children: Along with many other wonderful images to think about, are clearly expressed causing much inter-reflection for the reader.
If you think you are intimidated by reading poetry and don’t think its fun with an added value, try Ryokan. It’s true pleasure, then when you finish, pick up another favorite, Ikkyu, and continue the fun.
“It is not that I do not wish
to associate with men,
But living alone I have he better way.”
Ryokan — autograph lines on a self portrait sketch.
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