Blossoms Quote by Philip Appleman
““Three Haiku, Two Tanka (Kyoto) CONFIDENCE (after Bashō) Clouds murmur darkly, it is a blinding habit— gazing at the moon. TIME OF JOY (after Buson) Spring means plum blossoms and spotless new kimonos for holiday whores. RENDEZVOUS (after Shiki) Once more as I wait for you, night and icy wind melt into cold rain. FOR SATORI In the spring of joy, when even the mud chuckles, my soul runs rabid, snaps at its own bleeding heels, and barks: “What is happiness?” SOMBER GIRL She never saw fire from heaven or hotly fought with God; but her eyes smolder for Hiroshima and the cold death of Buddha.””
About This Quote
Source Poetry Collection: “Three Haiku, Two Tanka (Kyoto)”, 2005
The poems juxtapose natural imagery with human yearning, exploring how joy, longing, and sorrow intertwine, and questioning the nature of happiness amid suffering.
In simple terms: Poetry blends nature, desire, and pain, probing happiness and sorrow.
Key Takeaway
Seek meaning in contrasts and accept life's paradoxes.
Themes
nature
longing
joy
sorrow
philosophy
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative writing
- counseling
- art therapy
Key Concepts
impermanence
existential inquiry
cultural memory
Questions to Reflect On
- What does happiness mean when joy is fleeting?
- How do personal histories shape our reading of sorrow?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation can be subjective, and readers may miss nuanced cultural references.
