Four Basho Settings

Song Cycle by Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964)

1. Skylark
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Skylark on moor --
sweet song
of non-attachment.

Spring moon --
flower face
in mist.

Skylark sings all
day, and day
not long enough.

Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

2. Cuckoo
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Cuckoo --
sing, fly, sing,
then start again.

Old pond,
leap -- splash --
a frog.

Beyond waves,
reaching far, the
cuckoo's song.

Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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3. Butterfly
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
Wake, butterfly --
it's late, we've miles
to go together.

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  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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4. Dawn flowers
 (Sung text)

Language: English 
While moon sets
atop the trees,
leaves cling to rain.

Fading bells --
now musky blossoms
peal in dusk.

How I long to see
among dawn flowers,
the face of God.

Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
Total word count: 81