Chèvrefeulle relates that Basho like many other artists of his day was homosexual. In Japan, one's sexual preference has always been a private matter and unlike many places in the world, then and now, one's preference is considered perfectly normal.
Now we can understand the haiku better following this background information given to us by Chèvrefeuille:
While Basho was staying at the Yamanaka Hot Springs, the 16 year old son of the innkeeper, Izumiya Matabel, attracted Basho's attention. He gave the young man the nom the plume Toyo (to = momo = peach) and (yo = the young beauty of). This name has a connection with Basho's earlier nom the plume "Tosei" (green peach) which forms a literary connection between the two, according to Oseka-san. However, other implications arise. Basho didn't choose to include the verse in his official travel journal but it was published in 1698, by Fukaku, a doctor in Kyoto, who made a book of 522 hokku classified into the season.
momo no ki no sons ha chirasu na aki no kazea peach tree
its leaves aren't scattered
winds of autumn© Basho
reaching for bright sunshine
autumn just a thought
© G.s.k. '14
This has a lot of potential meanings -- is autumn (old age, decay, etc.) just a long ways away, or are the vibrant blossoms (youth) toying with the idea of the older lover (autumn)? Really liking this. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you caught that ... a little of both I think!
DeleteWhat a wonderful haiku you share here with us Georgia. Very much in tune with Basho s and the deeper layer to feel love for an older lover feels great.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased you enjoyed the haiku Kristjaan, you wrote a very interesting post, lots to work with!
ReplyDeleteTo some freedom is just a thought.
ReplyDeleteAnd there once were... and still are slaves.
Can humans ever be free to just enjoy all life?
I do enjoy autumn, even knowing winter is on the way.
Lovely lines Jules ...
Deletefirst snow flakes
fall
spring's a memory