An Old Pond

The students in Uta's class each had to bring in a cultural artifact connected to their family history. A boy whose mother is from Thailand brought in a wooden Buddha. A girl whose Dad is from Germany brought in a traditional beer stein. Uta decided to recite a poem by the Japanese poet Basho. He wrote it out in ink and recited it before the class, along with an english translation and a brief explanation of who Basho is. Uta said the class all applauded and made him repeat it three times, clapping each time he reached the end. His teacher later told me that she was so surprised and delighted by his performance she was nearly brought to tears.



An old pond
a frog jumps in
the sound of water

-Basho