The Haiku and Poems of
Mukai Kyorai (1651-1704)

Returning from a funeral
I saw this very moon
high above the moor

‘yes!’ yes!’ I cried,
but someone still knocked
on the snow-mantled gate

Its not easy
to be sure which end is which
of a resting snail

Chanting and humming
gongs immerse the green valley
in cool waves of air

doshin no
okori wa hana no
tsubomi toki

Awakening faith
At the time when blossoms
Are just in the bud.

-

machibito ireshi
komikado no kagi

Letting in
the awaited one
Key to the side gate