Ryōkan (1758-1831) projected a persona of the provincial impoverished Zen monk, hermit and poet. These verses are among a number of new versions of haiku featured in the book.
 

12 HAIKU BY THE ZEN MONK RYŌKAN

 

New pond.

A frog leaps in

 

Full moon.

In my garden

measuring myself against Bashō

 

Cherry blossoms falling

not falling

 

Someone visiting

again obliged

to take off my hat.

 

Summer night

counting fleas

until dawn.

 

Summer breeze

white peony petal

blown into my bowl.

 

In the hedge

fledglings

and morning snow.

 

The wind blows

fallen leaves

enough for a fire.

 

Evening cool.

Enough rice for tomorrow

in my bowl.

 

Maple leaves

first one side then another

 

All around me

the world

is cherry blossom.

 

Who will listen

to my sad tale?

Autumn ending.