March 21, 2025
In the Flint Hills of Kansas
In 1688 Matuso Basho left Edo to travel to Ueno to celebrate the Lunar New Year. On the way, on January 13, in 5th year of the Jokyo era, 1688, Basho composed this haiku, wondering, I suppose, when Spring would truly come.
Spring, has it arrived,
It is only the ninth day
In the mountains and countryside, one wonders
春たちて まだ九日の 野山哉
Haru-tachite mada kokonoka no noyama Kana
— Matsuo Basho, Spring? 1688
I just checked.
In Tokyo today and tomorrow,
It is a sunny 72.
Meanwhile in Kansas
Here in the Flint Hills of Kansas, it is March 21st, the official first day of Spring. When one walks in the woods, one sees the first hint of green. The daffodils bloom. Magically, the other day leaves began to appear on the trees and plants began to sprout. Still, the cold and warn winds continued to battle, but we know who is going to win this battle.
As for practical gardener,
have patience,
follow the Dao …
Speaking of wind whose cold gusts blow night and day …
Oh the wicked wind that blows,
Like a boxer’s swift fists,
Battering my head
— Bashō no yōna
I had hoped to go to Teter Rock,
to see the wild mustangs,
oh, the wind held me back.
matsuo-basho-haiku 