after :10

limbs of the plum tree

groaning in winter wind–

mine too

Buson 1716-1784

It's impossible to miss the humor in Buson's haiku, rendered very freely here. But there's also a willingness to see oneself objectively, humbly, and unsentimentally as part of nature, and not only when nature is smiling. Buson also knew that the appearance of the plum blossoms will be an early indication that the worst of winter has passed.

For an explanation of "afters," see the post for Nov. 2, 2010