Welcome to Poem of the Day – Writing by Kobayashi Issa.
Kobayashi Issa is one of Japan’s most beloved haiku poets, known for his deep sensitivity to nature, his profound empathy for all living beings, and his keen observations of the human condition. His poetry is often marked by its simplicity and the ability to capture a fleeting moment in time, sometimes with humor, sometimes with melancholy. Issa critiques not only the superficiality of certain artistic pursuits but also exposes the tension between true, heartfelt expression and the commodification of art. This essay will explore the layers of meaning in this short but powerful haiku, discussing its theme, style, and cultural context.
Writing Poem
writing shit about new snow
for the rich
is not art
Writing Poem Explanation
The first part of the haiku introduces the image of “new snow,” a pure and untouched aspect of nature, which symbolizes both the beauty and fragility of the world. Snow, in many cultures, is associated with purity, new beginnings, and the transience of life. The idea of “writing shit” about it seems to subvert this purity, suggesting that the poet or writer is reducing something sacred and unblemished to crude or shallow commentary. The phrase “writing shit” is harsh, dismissive, and almost vulgar in its tone, which may indicate Issa’s contempt for those who distort or trivialize the beauty of nature in their works.
The juxtaposition of “new snow” with the crudeness of “writing shit” is particularly striking because it highlights the dissonance between the genuine beauty of the world and the way certain artists or writers exploit it for superficial purposes. It could be read as a critique of the literary establishment or elite intellectuals who may not have a deep connection with the natural world, yet are quick to commodify it for personal or financial gain.
The second part of the haiku shifts focus to the “rich,” who, in this context, represent a class that is often disconnected from the true essence of art and nature. The idea that writing for the rich “is not art” suggests that art, when produced with commercial motives in mind or for an audience that seeks superficial beauty, loses its authenticity and its soul. The “rich” here are not necessarily just wealthy individuals but rather those who view art as a product rather than an expression of genuine human experience.
In this context, Issa critiques the commodification of art—how it can be bought, sold, and consumed without any regard for the deeper, intrinsic meaning it holds. The implication is that when art is created simply to please the wealthy or the elite, it ceases to be a form of true art. It becomes a performative act, a shallow reflection of society’s desire for luxury and status rather than a genuine exploration of human emotions and the natural world.
Cultural Context and Issa’s Philosophy
To fully understand the depth of Issa’s criticism, it is essential to place the poem within the broader context of his life and work. Issa was born into a humble family and experienced many hardships throughout his life, including the early deaths of his parents and several of his children. His poetry is often characterized by its compassion for the poor, the downtrodden, and the suffering of all living creatures. Issa had a keen sense of injustice and was unafraid to speak out against the excesses of the wealthy or the hypocrisy he saw in society.
Issa’s work was deeply influenced by the Zen Buddhist philosophy of simplicity and mindfulness. In Zen, there is a profound appreciation for the fleeting moments of life, the beauty found in imperfection, and the importance of finding enlightenment in the mundane. This philosophical outlook shines through in much of his poetry, where he seeks to express the beauty of the world as he truly sees it, without embellishment or pretense.
The haiku in question embodies this Zen spirit. It strips away the layers of artifice and directs the reader’s attention to the pure, untainted moment in nature—the new snow. Yet, it also acknowledges the darker side of human nature, where beauty is corrupted by greed, status, and self-interest. For Issa, true art cannot be separated from the lived experience of the artist or the viewer; it must arise from a genuine connection to the world.
The Poem’s Style: A Critique of Artifice
Issa’s style in this haiku is both blunt and playful. The phrase “writing shit” is jarring, almost humorous, in its casual vulgarity, yet it also serves as a potent metaphor for how art can become corrupted when it is reduced to an object of commerce or elitism. This is not a subtle critique but rather a direct attack on the artificiality of much of the art world. The bluntness of the language contrasts sharply with the purity of the natural image—new snow—suggesting that true beauty can never be confined to the pretensions of the wealthy or the self-interested artist.
By juxtaposing the sublime and the crude, Issa challenges the reader to reconsider what constitutes “art” and what constitutes mere decoration or superficiality. This tension between the pure and the polluted, the natural and the commercial, is central to understanding Issa’s view on art and culture. For him, art that fails to engage with the deeper truths of life—the struggles, the joys, and the fleeting beauty of existence—cannot be considered true art.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this poem is a striking, multi-layered critique of the commodification of art and the disconnection of the rich from the true meaning of creative expression. Issa uses the image of new snow to represent the pure beauty of nature, while the crude language highlights how that beauty is often diminished by societal and commercial interests. Through his critique, Issa calls for art to remain an honest, heartfelt exploration of the world, one that is not sullied by the pursuit of wealth or prestige.This poem reflects Issa’s broader philosophical outlook, one rooted in simplicity, mindfulness, and authenticity—values that remain highly relevant today, as art continues to grapple with questions of commercialization and artistic integrity.
