Poetry Thursday: Matsuo Basho

In 1689 a man left his home and traveled for 1,200 miles with a companion, a few changes of clothes, writing brushes, and notebooks. The two walked throughout their homeland of Japan for five months. He was already known as the master of haiku, a poem form that relies on a foundation of 5- and 7-syllable verse.

The poet did not know then that he had only five years remaining to live. Today, the trail he followed on his final journey is a pilgrimage route held in high esteem.

This ruined temple
should have its sad tale told only
by a clam digger

[via The Illustrated Poems of Matsuo Bashō. Image via Wikimedia Commons]