NM Paintings 2021 > Basho's Northern War Hymn

Basho's Northern War Hymn - Cricket Crying to Stop Winter
Basho's Northern War Hymn - Cricket Crying to Stop Winter
ink, acrylic, and tempera on paper
27" x 38"
April 2021


MATSUO BASHO

I am awe-struck
To hear a cricket singing
Underneath the dark cavity
Of an old helmet.

(trans. Nobuyuki Yuasa)


How sad
under the old war helmet
a cricket

(trans. David Young)



How piteous!
Beneath the warrior’s helmet
A cricket cries.

(trans. ?)