Member-only story

An Anthology of Haiku in Catalan, Basque, Galician, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish

Neil Gaiman

·9k Followers· Follow

Published in HAIKU FROM IBERIA AND BEYOND: An Anthology Of Haiku In Catalan Basque Galician Japanese Portuguese And Spanish

6 min read

876 View Claps

44 Respond

Save

Listen

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that consists of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, respectively. Haiku poems are often characterized by their simplicity, their focus on nature, and their use of imagery.

This anthology presents a selection of haiku poems in six different languages: Catalan, Basque, Galician, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. The poems are arranged by theme, and each poem is accompanied by a brief commentary that provides insight into its meaning and significance.

Nature is a common theme in haiku poetry. The poems in this section capture the beauty of the natural world, from the changing seasons to the smallest creatures.

HAIKU FROM IBERIA AND BEYOND: An anthology of haiku in Catalan, Basque, Galician, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish

by Danny Blackwell

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8002 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	318 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Catalan:

> El vent xiula > Entre els arbres del bosc > Cançó de tardor

> The wind whistles > Through the trees of the forest > Song of autumn

This haiku captures the sound of the wind whistling through the trees, creating a sense of movement and change. The poem also evokes the feeling of autumn, with its changing leaves and cooler temperatures.

Basque:

> Euria doa > Loreak pozik daude > Lur usaina

> The rain falls > The flowers are happy > The smell of earth

This haiku celebrates the arrival of rain, which brings life to the flowers and the earth. The poem also captures the sense of joy and renewal that rain can bring.

Galician:

> A néboa baixa > O sol aparece tímido > Mañá de inverno

> The fog descends > The sun appears timidly > Winter morning

This haiku describes a winter morning, with its low fog and timid sun. The poem captures the feeling of coldness and stillness that can be associated with winter, as well as the hope that the sun will eventually break through the clouds.

Japanese:

> 初時雨や > 落葉松の落葉また > 散りにけり

> First autumn rain > Larch needles fall again > Scattered about

This haiku captures the beauty of the first autumn rain, which causes the leaves of the larch trees to fall. The poem also evokes the feeling of change and renewal that is associated with autumn.

Portuguese:

> Chuva fina cai > As flores se abrem ao sol > Primavera chegou

> Fine rain falls > The flowers open to the sun > Spring has arrived

This haiku celebrates the arrival of spring, with its warm sun and blooming flowers. The poem also captures the sense of joy and hope that is associated with spring.

Spanish:

> El sol brilla > Las aves cantan alegres > Día de verano

> The sun shines > The birds sing happily > Summer day

This haiku captures the beauty of a summer day, with its bright sun and singing birds. The poem also evokes the feeling of joy and happiness that can be associated with summer.

Love is another common theme in haiku poetry. The poems in this section explore the different aspects of love, from the joy of new love to the pain of heartbreak.

Catalan:

> Els teus ulls brillan > Com el sol del matí > Amor meu etern

> Your eyes shine > Like the morning sun > My eternal love

This haiku expresses the speaker's love for their partner, comparing their eyes to the sun. The poem also evokes the feeling of hope and happiness that can be associated with new love.

Basque:

> Maite zaitut > Bihotzean sentitzen dut > Zoriontasuna

> I love you > I feel it in my heart > Happiness

This haiku simply and directly expresses the speaker's love for their partner. The poem also captures the feeling of happiness and joy that can be associated with love.

Galician:

> O teu sorriso > É o meu sol de cada día > Amor da miña vida

> Your smile > Is my sunshine every day > Love of my life

This haiku expresses the speaker's love for their partner, comparing their smile to the sun. The poem also evokes the feeling of happiness and joy that can be associated with love.

Japanese:

> 恋すてふ > 心やまず通ふ > 千里の道も

> If you love > Your heart will travel > A thousand miles

This haiku expresses the idea that love can overcome any obstacle. The poem also evokes the feeling of longing and desire that can be associated with love.