This poem was written by the celebrated Japanese haiku poet Matsuo Bashō of the 17th century. The poem successfully captures the profound beauty of a specific moment, and moments, in nature through a few carefully chosen words. The poet is able to transport readers to a moment in which they are observing the clouds clearing in an otherwise overcast sky and the moon’s light shining through.
It is easy to interpret this image as representing the way in which a small degree of hope, or a change in one’s everyday life, can make the world feel all the more beautiful.
From time to time Matsuo BashōFrom time to timeThe clouds give rest To the moon beholders...
Summary
‘From time to time’ by Matsuo Bashō is a short poem that captures nature in a beautiful, simple moment.
The poem begins with a phrase that suggests that the scene is not a single moment but a description of a series of events. The poet focuses on the interaction between the clouds and the moon in the next lines, suggesting that they have something of a dynamic relationship.
He describes how the clouds, which are usually a barrier to the moon’s brightness, occasionally move to the side and allow the moon to shine through clearly.
Structure and Form
‘From time to time’ by Matsuo Bashō is a three-line haiku that is written in the traditional style that this famous Japanese poet is often associated with. It is important to note, right off the bat, that this poem was originally written in Japanese and has since been translated into English. This means that the elements that the poet imbued in this poem, in his native language, are lost, to some degree, in the translation.
The poet uses a variety of literary techniques, as described below, to enhance the reader’s experience with the text. The three lines are very short, but they contain a great deal of meaning.
Literary Devices
- Imagery: can be seen when the poet imbues language with certain words and phrases that trigger the reader’s senses. For example, “the clouds give rest.”
- Personification: this is a literary technique that is seen when the poet imbues something non-human with human characteristics. For example, the poet’s depiction of the clouds as giving way to allow the moon to shine through temporarily.
- Enjambment: A literary device that occurs when the poet cuts off a line before its natural stopping point. For example, the transition between lines one and two.
Detailed Analysis
Line One
From time to time
The first line of this poem, which is also usually used as the title of the poem, immediately brings the passage of time into play. It means that the poet is considering a period of time that does not have a clear beginning or end. It implies that whatever comes next is something that is sporadic or intermittent as well.
By using this phrase, Bashō is able to create a contrast between the regular passage of time and the irregular occurrence of the event that he’s about to describe. Readers who are familiar with his verse will likely expect the following lines to focus on some occurrence in nature, and they would be right.
Line Two
The clouds give rest
Personification is something that comes into play in the second line of the poem. The poet begins to develop the relationship between the clouds and the moon, which is described in line three. The imagery is immediately depicted in a way that feels tranquil and peaceful. This is, and no small part, due to the poet’s use of the word “rest.”
The poet suggests that the clouds temporarily halt their usual course of action across the sky in order for something else, described in the next line, to happen.
Line Three
To the moon beholders…
The final line of the poem adds depth to the poem as well as a human element. The poet indicates that there are human beings, those who appreciate the moon’s beauty, who are constantly hoping to see its light shine through the clouds. This line also implies an interaction between the clouds and the moon, as the former allows the latter to shine through temporarily. This happens, as the first line indicates, from “time to time.”
The line highlights the significance of a human presence in the world and their role as the viewer of nature’s beauty. By acknowledging the humans as “moon beholders,” the poem suggests that the beauty of nature is tied to the act of witnessing and appreciating it.
FAQs
The theme of this poem revolves around the fleeting beauty of nature and the fact that if one does not look carefully, one may miss something incredibly beautiful. In this case, the image of the moon shining through the clouds.
The purpose of this poem is to evoke a sense of wonder in the natural world. It should remind readers of how fleeting nature’s beauty can be and how important it is to appreciate it when one sees it.
‘From time to time’ is a haiku poem that is written in the traditional style that Matsuo Bashō is associated with. The poet uses three lines, concise language, and imagery and focuses on an appreciation for the natural world. It should be noted that this poem was originally written in Japanese as well.
Similar Poetry
Readers who enjoyed this poem should also consider reading other Matsu Bashō poems. For example:
- ‘In Kyoto‘ – expresses a deep sense of longing and nostalgia for the city of Kyoto.
- ‘The Old Pond‘ – is one of the best-known Japanese haiku of all time.
- ‘Autumn moonlight‘ – is a traditional haiku about the seasons.
