classic hunting haiku # 3

Here is the third in our series of classic hunting haiku written by Issa, one of Japan's finest haiku poets.

1824

追鳥や鳥より先につかれ寝る

oi-dori ya tori yori saki ni tsukare neru

bird hunter--
even before his falcon
a weary sleep

Translator's note: In translating this, I assume that the "bird" (tori) mentioned is the hunter's falcon; hence I translate it, "his falcon."

Translations are by David G. Lanoue, who includes the following note: "Translations based on Issa zenshû (Nagano: Shinano Mainichi Shimbunsha, 1976-79) 9 volumes. Some of the translations first appeared in Issa, Cup-of-Tea Poems and Pure Land Haiku: The Art of Priest Issa."