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Asked how old he was

Asked how old he was,
the boy in the new kimono
stretched out all five fingers.

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Comments

1 - 9 of 9

  • Bare Footed
    April 25, 2006
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    so simple and nice
    a beautiful image
    i like it

  • Lotus Of Lakshmi
    February 8, 2005
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    Wow! This is so cute I loved the image here and the simplicity of this write. The answer to the poet's question was replied to in a really cute way by the boy. A vivid image that the reader can clearly see in these lines and enjoy.

    -Charishma

  • LostFlavor
    November 13, 2004
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    hey! I like this! it's pretty cool. I've seen haikus and most of them make no sense. Like...food wish food food. and i'm like...does he want food? Should i feed him so he'll shutup?
    But this one is by far the best I've ever read. I like how you use subtlety to get your point across. he doesn't SAY he's 5. He shows it and we see that, and feel smart for seeing it. good job.

  • -Aeryn Deathsong-
    November 13, 2004
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    Hmm... having read all this poem's comments, I find myself incredibly stupid obviously, cuz I don't see what's so good about it. *frowns* I mean, it's just... three lines about a lil' kid that pictures his age.


  • Old Poetry Moderators member
    November 13, 2004
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    Hello Myron,
    Every indication I can find claims he did translate this piece and many others.
    Here on oldpoetry we are rapidly increasing the haiku, tanka, sijo and many other forms. Poems are listed by author name and a few are included in the anonymous Asian group.oldpoetry.com/authors/Anonymous%20Asia

    Andrew

  • Jillosophy
    November 13, 2004
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    Beautiful, simplistic picture. This really captures the essence of the child. With the simpleness of the child, the question is answered. Lovely.
    Jill

  • myron
    November 13, 2004
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    aha, Issa - a delighful haijin at times. enjoyed this poem...i didn't know you had haiku in the old poetry section...are they easy to find there?

    ps did robert hass actually translate this or did he just include it in his book? i didn't know he was a translator...


  • AndrewHide
    November 13, 2004
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    This is one of my favourites by Issa. A simple picture, but one which captures the boys personality. The image answers the question on which the poem was built on extremely well.

    Andrew

  • Steve83
    January 14, 2004
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    Wonderful! Issa is the best in my opinion at the Haiku. This here shows his talent at its finest.

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