Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Two Views of Buson," Robert Hass explores the dual aspects of the Japanese poet and painter Yosa Buson's life and artistry through succinct, evocative imagery. Each section of the poem presents a different perspective on Buson, blending historical context with poetic introspection to reveal the complexity of his character and creative vision.

The first section depicts Buson as a man deeply influenced by Chinese culture, a common admiration among Japanese intellectuals and artists of his time. The French scholar's observation that Buson "affected the Chinese manner" highlights this influence. When Buson took his friends to see blossoms, they all perceived them as "Chinese blossoms," indicating that his appreciation for nature was filtered through a Chinese aesthetic lens. This affectation extended to his attire, emphasizing his deep connection to the culture he admired. The poignant image of Buson weeping for the wild geese of Shosho underscores his emotional engagement with the Chinese poetic tradition, where the wild geese often symbolize melancholy and the passage of time.

In the second section, Hass shifts to a more personal and intimate portrayal of Buson. The image of Buson walking home at dawn after a night of love conveys a moment of quiet reflection. The detail that he noticed the river Oi had "sunk two feet" suggests a keen awareness of his natural surroundings, even in a state of emotional contentment. This attentiveness to subtle changes in the environment reflects the sensitivity and precision that characterize his poetry and painting.

The following year, Buson's experience is described as "better," symbolized by the "bubbles of crab-froth among the river reeds." This image evokes a sense of renewal and the beauty found in small, delicate details of nature. It contrasts with the previous year's observation, suggesting a progression in Buson's emotional and creative life. The bubbles of crab-froth, ephemeral and fragile, mirror the transient beauty celebrated in much of Japanese poetry, including Buson's haiku.

Through these two views, Hass captures the essence of Buson's artistic journey. The first view emphasizes his intellectual and cultural influences, while the second reveals his personal connection to the natural world and his capacity for finding beauty in the ordinary. Together, they paint a rich portrait of a man who straddled different worlds—Chinese and Japanese, scholarly and personal, distant and intimate.

Hass's concise yet vivid imagery allows readers to glimpse Buson's life and art through different lenses, inviting reflection on how cultural heritage and personal experience shape creative expression. The poem thus becomes a meditation on the intersection of tradition and individuality, and on the ways in which artists draw from both external influences and internal landscapes to create works of lasting beauty.

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