leaves fall
the scent of butterfly
remains
These inner links of renga were an important part of Basho's haikai renaissance. So, anything we learn about that can be applied to our growing sensitivity to the internal mechanics of a hokku in its standalone anarchy. But is it so? For, do we not, as participants in this beautiful theatre of the mind (ma as Noh) that is hokku, supply a response? Just like ghosts at a phantom gathering.
leaves fall
the scent of butterfly
remains
in my moldering graveyard
angel wings cast in stone
Thus is tanka the reply of our heart to worlds of natural experience.
leaves fall
the scent of butterfly
remains
in my moldering graveyard
angel wings cast in stone
