the longest night
approaches--
a begging Aeta

Walk of the Year 2005: The Funeral of Pope John Paul

I've chosen the funeral of Pope John Paul II, held on April 8, 2005, as the Walk of the Year. Considered to be the biggest in history, the funeral is attended by four to five million visitors led by around 200 state and religious leaders worldwide, including those who did not necessarily agree with the Pope.

moonless night
we stare at each other
the firefly and I

the sun
is about to retire...
pillow man



billboard ads
compete for attention--
the full moon

washing rice--
the pitter-patter of
evening rain

dead of night
in my narrow room
a firefly wanders



in deep thoughts--
a moth dances
before me

in the porch
playing a Carcassi tune--
afternoon rain

The book by Chuang Tzu-- also titled as such-- is considered to be the second most revered text in Taoism, next to Tao Te Ching. It is said to have influenced and inspired many haijins, including Matsuo Basho. Following is a haiku by this master haijin, directly referring to a famous story from the book. (Thanks to Robert Wilson, owner and manager of Simply Haiku e-magazine, for supplying this information.)

You, the butterfly;
me, Chuang Tzu . . . but who's which
in my dreaming heart?

Matsuo Basho

In the new issue of Simply Haiku, Ka Robert (as we usually call Mr. Wilson) interviews the author of "Basho and The Dao", Professor Peipei Qiu. Her book addresses the influence of the Zhuangzi on Basho and his contemporaries.


Now, here's my own Chuang Tzu-inspired haiku:

tell me, skull,
between us
who is happy?

walking alone--
the sidewalk trees adorned
with christmas lights

alone again
gazing at my brother's
wedding photo