Kobayashi Issa

What a strange thing!
to be alive
beneath cherry blossoms

Summer night--
even the stars
are whispering to each other.

Never forget:
we walk on hell,
gazing at flowers.

Here
I'm here-
the snow falling.

O snail
Climb Mount Fuji
But slowly, slowly!

In the cherry blossom's shade
there's no such thing
as a stranger.

Where there are humans, 
You'll find flies,
And Buddhas.

Don't weep, insects --
Lovers, stars themselves,
Must part.

Even in warmest
glow 
how cold my shadow

Reflected
in the dragonfly's eye --
mountains