Two hundred years ago Issa heard the morning birds
singing sutras to this suffering world.
I heard them too, this morning, which must mean,
since we will always have a suffering world,
we must also always have a song.
Issa was an 18th century Japanese haiku master and while this short poem doesn’t follow the 5-7-5 syllable format of traditional haiku, for me it has the same essence, that is, a profound message in very few words.
Budbill effortlessly makes the link between the morning birds singing sutras or wisdom teachings, to the suffering world over two hundred years ago and hearing them singing today. This must mean, he says, that there will always be the music of birds since we will always have a suffering world. Such a tender message of compassion for the universal experience of suffering and one of its counterparts, the comforts of the natural world.
I take comfort in the simple acknowledgement that the world suffers and that birds continue to sing – sorrow and beauty – always one with the other, no matter how great the suffering. While this message is simple, it is far from simplistic. Rather it is truth as only poetry can tell it.
I also want to add for your pleasure another deliciously brief and succinct poem of Budbill’s which needs no added words:
Oh, this life,
the now,
this morning,
which I
can turn
into forever
by simply
loving
what is here,
is gone
by noon.
Nice. Budbill was a Vermont writer.
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Thank you Donna, I did not know that – always more to learn. xoxox
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Thank you for these poems Jan. Sorrow and song – every moment precious. Lisa❤️
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Perfect. Meets my frame of mind and my view this rainy morning listening to the birds. It always seems so indulgently self-serving to gaze, to simply listen. I am relieved to know this is all offered for the suffering world. I am also relieved to meet your compassionate heart, dear Jan, with such simplicity.
love,
Wendy
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Isn’t it wonderful to hear the birds singing and think of it as an offering for the suffering world Wendy. from my compassionate heart to yours xoxo
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Every moment is precious indeed Lisa xoxoxox
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thanks Jan
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glad to share birdsong with you Rich xoxoxo
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Dear Jan: Thank you for these two poems by dear David Budbill. What wisdom and good-hearted humour in his work. xoxo
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You introduced me to Budbill’s First Green of Spring years ago Mary Lou, I can still hear it in your voice! xoxox
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Thank you, Jan, you intuitively find the right one for the moment. I enjoy haiku. It expresses so much simply and elegantly. I still have my original book from the 70s.
Suzanne
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I’m glad that these poems are right for you in the moment Suzanne, as you say simply and elegantly. xoxo
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Oh, Jan, I love the simplicity. How is it possible to convey a message so beautifully with so few words. A gift indeed.
I love them both, but I really love the 2nd one. Margaret 613-725-6941 h 613-795-9879 c
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
– Oscar Wilde.
>
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They are so elegant are they not Margaret – I couldn’t choose between them 🙂 xoxox
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Nancy was good friends with David Budbill and loves his work.
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Lucky Nancy! I don’t know a lot of his work but have loved all that I’ve encountered. Lucky all of us for the poems he left us with. xoxoxo
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