Welcome to Poem of the Day – Coolness by Yosa Buson.
Yosa Buson (1716–1784), one of the most revered figures of the Edo period in Japan, is known for his mastery in the art of haiku and his deep appreciation of nature. Among his numerous works, his haiku “Coolness” (also often translated as “Coolness of the Water”) stands as a remarkable expression of the poet’s ability to capture the fleeting moments of the natural world with simplicity and profound insight. Through this work, Buson delves into the delicate balance between human emotions and the serene beauty of nature, offering both a sensory and contemplative experience for the reader.
Coolness Poem
Coolness—
the sound of the bell
as it leaves the bell.
Coolness Poem Explanation
The first line, “Coolness,” introduces the theme of the poem with a sense of calmness and tranquility. In many cultures, coolness symbolizes a refreshing relief, often associated with the quiet moments of evening or the refreshing air after a hot summer day. In the context of haiku, where every word is loaded with significance, “coolness” is not just a sensory experience—it embodies a spiritual cleansing, a moment of pause in the ever-moving flow of life. Coolness invites the reader to feel a shift from the intensity of heat or emotional turbulence to a moment of serenity, much like a sudden breeze on a sweltering day.
Moreover, “coolness” in Japanese culture is often linked to natural cycles, especially in the heat of summer, and evokes a deeper connection to nature’s rhythms. Buson, who was not just a poet but also a painter, likely saw this cooling sensation as part of a larger, cosmic order. The haiku expresses this sense of quiet relief in a world that often feels overwhelming, offering the reader a brief respite within the chaotic flow of life.
The Cicada’s Cry
The second line, “the cicada’s cry,” introduces a sharp contrast to the coolness. The cicada’s cry is loud, persistent, and symbolic of summer’s heat, yet it is also a sound that resonates deeply with the Japanese sense of impermanence. The cicada, with its brief life cycle—living only a few weeks—has long been a symbol in Japanese poetry of the fleeting nature of existence. Its call is heard throughout the summer, but it fades just as quickly as it appears, much like moments of beauty and life that slip away before we realize their full significance.
The cicada’s cry is not merely a physical sound in this haiku, but rather an echo of the passage of time. Its sharp and shrill tone serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life itself—emphasizing the contrast between the transient and the eternal. Its call pierces the stillness, drawing attention to the fact that even in moments of tranquility, there is always something stirring, reminding us of life’s inevitable progression.
The Piercing of Rocks
The final line, “pierces the rocks,” deepens the poem’s meaning by adding an unexpected element: the image of the cicada’s sound breaking through the stillness of the rocks. The notion of sound “piercing” the rocks adds a layer of tension to the otherwise serene atmosphere created by the idea of coolness. Rocks, traditionally seen as symbols of stability and permanence, are not typically associated with fragility or movement. The idea that the cicada’s cry can pierce these solid forms suggests the latent power of even the most fleeting of sounds or moments.
This line may also be seen as a reflection of Buson’s personal philosophy, influenced by Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things—impermanent and eternal, transient and lasting. Just as the cicada’s cry disrupts the silence of the rocks, life’s temporary disturbances (emotions, actions, sounds) can have a profound effect on the world around them, breaking through the stillness of a seemingly unchanging environment.
The Duality of Nature and Human Emotion
In this haiku, Buson’s depiction of nature is not merely observational but deeply philosophical. The contrast between the coolness and the cicada’s cry mirrors the tension that often exists between the calmness of inner peace and the vibrancy of emotions that constantly stir within us. The coolness of the first line symbolizes a fleeting moment of calmness, while the cicada’s cry, with its forceful nature, serves as a reminder of the ever-present vibrancy of life, even in moments of apparent stillness.
Furthermore, the piercing sound of the cicada emphasizes the intersection between nature’s beauty and the harshness of reality. It suggests that within tranquility, there is always a force—either external or internal—that shatters the calm, much like the tension between peace and conflict in human existence. The haiku subtly points out that there is no true stillness, only temporary pauses before something else rises to break the silence.
Conclusion
In “Coolness,” Yosa Buson encapsulates a fleeting moment of nature, bringing together elements of sound, sensation, and symbolism to create a poignant reflection on the human condition. The poem’s simplicity belies its depth, offering a meditation on the transient nature of life, the interplay between stillness and activity, and the profound impact that even the smallest of forces can have on the world around us. Through the imagery of the cicada’s cry piercing the rocks, Buson captures the paradox of life itself—calm yet full of movement, serene yet vibrantly alive. In just a few words, Buson crafts an experience that resonates deeply with readers, urging them to consider the impermanence and beauty of both the natural world and the human spirit.
