end of the month

Carpe Diem #719, End of the month

We are on the trail with Basho and today we are following him to Ise (wellknown for it's Shrine) were he visited a disciple of him named Matsubaya according to the preface of this haiku.

Matsubaya was in Ise, so we went in search of news of him, and stayed here for ten days. After dark, I visited the Outer Shrine of Ise. The first gate was faintly visiblea against the light sky.
Sacred lanterns were everywhere. The pine wind from the mountain pierced me, and my heart was deeply moved.

end of the month
no moon hugging an ancient cedar
in the storm

© Basho (Tr. Jane Reichhold)

I also found a wonderful translation of this haiku by an anonymous poet:

moonless night . . .
a powerful wind embraces
the ancient cedars 

© Basho (Tr. ?)

I bow my head
in worship of the holy sunrise
at Ise Shrine

© Chèvrefeuille

shrine of nature
engulf the soul with beauty
the ancient cedar

©  Janice Adcock

Thanks to Chèvrefeuille for daily prompts on 

CARPE DIEM HAIKU KAI