autumn
things no longer
exist
Comment: this 8-syllable ku expresses very well the sense of mystery and depth (yūgen 幽玄) that pervades autumn (aki 秋), when life slowly falls into a lethargic rest and the fallen, yellowed leaves seem to hide everything under their covering. The lack of any cutting mark (kireji 切れ字) reflects the gradual yet inexorable transition from one season to another, justifying at the same time the slow sliding of things (mono 物) into oblivion. The structure of the poem –in particular, the enjambement between lines 2 and 3– catalyzes the reader’s attention towards the verb ‘exist’, thus inviting the reader to deepen the existential doubt of the poet.
Excellent
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