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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

Apart from yourself, Lao Tzu and Issa, Basho is my favourite haiku master. What he does with three lines is indeed amazing!

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

Issa is another personal favorite of mine, so amicable and so quirky! I should translate some Lao Tzu poems. But for me Basho is the Sappho of haiku.

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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

That's high praise indeed, and a lovely expression that one can appreciate instantly: 'the Sappho of the haiku'!

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

Yes, very high praise but I think he was that good.

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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

I did get a volume of Basho's poems on Amazon not so long ago. And now, I also have your translations in front of me - so I'm ready for a little feast of Basho. All I need is a glass of wine!

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Michael R. Burch's avatar

Please let me know how my translations compare. To be honest, I think some of mine are the best, but I may be biased!

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Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

You’re just modest. You’re the best translator alive. I I‘ve seen way more of your translations than anybody, and I know that for certain

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