"What Do We Know" - East Window

Above is an image from W. S. Merwin's East Window: The Asian Poems. It is a translation contained in a rather large section of the book which is called "Figures." This particular piece is from the Malay Figures section.

"and what do we know," indeed?

Though a figure, this, as do many other pieces in the figures section, has the feel of brief poetry, this particular poem being almost haiku-like in its execution and sentiment.

Photo by Stefano Mazzone

betting seashells
gamblers in a frenzy...
plum blossoms

Issa
trans. by David G. Lanoue

Photo by Daoan
 

best,
Don

PS  Click to learn how to contribute to Wednesday Haiku