Basho's poem about the moon glow and the drifting clouds makes me think about the Buddhist teaching of the Two Truths. However, I wanted to know what other people thought. So I asked and what I learned was pretty fascinating.
Exploring Basho’s Moon
Poems about Snow
I remember when I first learned that the Inuit have around 50 words for snow. At that time, my understanding of snow was limited. Now I know that there is so much more to know about snow including the poetry.
Poems About the Moon
From Li Bai, to Kobayashi Issa, to Wallace Stevens, poets across time have tried to capture the moon’s mysterious nature into verse. Today we have seven examples of the moon’s presence in the poetic form.
Micro-Season: “The First Camellia Blossoms”
"The First Camellia Blossoms” is the first micro-season of mini season First Winter. The Camellia flower, also known as Tsubaki, has a unique connection to poetry and literature in both Japan and the United States.
Poems About Owls
The owl, with its nocturnal lifestyle and distinct appearance has made it the perfect subject for poetry. Today we have poems from Issa, Alan Watts, Emily Dickinson, and many more.
Favorite Books of 2021 and Readers’ Poll
As we move towards the end of the year, I wanted to spend a bit of time reflecting on my favorite books and provide an opportunity to hear about your favorites. Below are four of my favorite books, and an opportunity for you to help create the 1st Annual Naturalist Weekly Readers’ Book List.
Mini-Season: Frost Descent
As we near the end of October, we welcome the mini season of Frost Descent. At this time, we reflect on the impermanent nature of all things.
Micro-Season: “The Grasshopper Sings”
An early frost may threaten the grasshopper and the crickets may find a way into your home. Poets Yoshino Yoshiko and Hazel Hall remind us that there is still work to do during this season.
Poems about Chrysanthemums
The Chrysanthemum has found its way into the poetry of ancient China, Japan, and 1900s England. Here is a collection of poems and haikus that highlight this flower.
Micro-season – “The Chrysanthemum Flowers”
When the Japanese adapted the Chinese 24 season calendar into 72 seasons they created a series of micro-seasons. Each one of these micro-seasons lasts five or six days. Today, we are in the micro-season of “The Chrysanthemum Flowers”. This is also the time of the Chongyang Festival.
Mini-Season: Cold Dew
Early October welcomes the mini-season of Cold Dew. As a way to welcome in this mini-season, we will look at some seasonal changes including bird molting and fall foliage. We will then read a poem by Emily Brontë.
Mini-Season – Autumn Equinox
The mini-season of Autumn Equinox runs from September 22 until October 7. The Harvest Moon is a relevant kigo, or seasonal words, to use when writing haiku. In today's post we will read some harvest moon inspired poetry and haiku.
SeasonWords.com 