Poems that end before you sneeze

That's how Buffy described haiku poems once, I think.

I've continued reading the Japanese history and am now into the 20th century, just past the Meiji period. Wanted to finished the book by Tuesday, but looks like I will be late by 3-4 days.

The book informs me that the haiku was invented in the late 17th century by Matsuo Basho. I haven't read any haiku, but the examples given in the book have certainly evoked a desire to someday read an anthology of these three-liners.

Throughout the town,
Only her husband
Does not know.

(Anonymous, p. 237)

A rough sea,
And stretching to Sado
The Milky Way.

(Basho, p. 239)

The summer grasses -
All that has survived from
Brave warriors' dreams.

(Basho, p. 238)

A lobster in a pot,
Dreaming awhile
Under the summer moon.

(Basho, p. 239)

I especially like the last one - how little we know about what fate has in store for us even as we go on living and searching for satisfaction and happiness!