The crow has flown away

The poem describes a crow, a tree, and the sun, creating a small landscape for readers to consider. This poem is a very good example of a haiku in its gentle contemplation of a still and peaceful scene in the natural world, something that’s very common in Sōseki’s verse. 

The crow has flown away
Natsume Sōseki

The crow has flown away;swaying in the evening sun,a leafless tree.

Summary 

‘The crow has flown away’ by Natsume Sōseki depicts a crow that has departed, leaving behind a tree that stands bare and devoid of leaves. 

The poem begins with the poet describing a crow flying away, leading readers to two more images. The next line depicts how a nearby tree gently moves and sways in the warm glow of the evening sun. This haiku invites readers to reflect on the beauty found in the stillness of a leafless tree against the backdrop of a setting sun.

Structure and Form 

‘The crow has flown away’ by Natsume Sōseki is a three-line haiku that is contained within a single, short stanza. The lines were originally written in Japanese, as well. This means that (since the poem was translated to English) much of the formatting of the haiku was lost. 

Haiku are known for their use of a specific syllable pattern. Specifically, the use of five syllables in the first and third lines and seven syllables in the second line.

Literary Devices 

In this poem, the poet makes use of a few different literary devices. For example: 

• Imagery: can be seen when the poet imbues their descriptions with sense-triggering images. For example, “swaying in the evening sun.”
• Alliteration: occurs when the poet repeats the same consonant sound at the beginning of multiple words. For example, “swaying” and “sun” in line two. It’s important to note that this literary device is only in the English translation of this poem. 
• Allusion: a reference to something outside the poem’s context. For example, the poet uses symbolism to imbue the crow, sun, and tree with additional meaning that requires interpretation of the reader’s part. 

Detailed Analysis 

Line One 

The crow has flown away;

In the first line of the poem, the poet introduces the central subject of the haiku, which is the crow. The crow has flown away, the poet says, indicating that the scene has recently changed and that only a few moments before, one could’ve observed the bird. 

This line opens up the rest of the haiku, implying a change or transition from the presence of the crow to something else. The absence of the crow creates a void that may inspire readers to consider feelings of emptiness or solitude.

Line Two 

swaying in the evening sun,

In the second line, the poet introduces another subject which, at the end of the second line, is unknown. The word “swaying” conveys a gentle, rhythmic motion, suggesting that the subject is responding to a breeze or natural forces.

The phrase “in the evening sun” is also important as it adds a specific setting and atmosphere to the scene. It implies that the sun is setting, creating a warm and golden light that bathes the surroundings. It’s in the third line that the poet finally reveals what this subject is. This helps readers envision the scene as a whole. 

Line Three

a leafless tree.

In the third line, the poet introduces the final element of the scene being described. The line provides a straightforward description of the swaying object –  a tree. The poet emphasizes that the tree is devoid of leaves or “leafless.” This detail indicates that it is either winter or a season where the tree has shed its foliage.

The absence of leaves could symbolize dormancy and vulnerability. The tree’s leafless state contrasts with the previous imagery of the crow and the swaying motion. The juxtaposition of the lively crow in line one with the lifeless tree in line three creates a visual and emotional contrast.

FAQs 

Similar Poetry 

Readers who enjoyed this poem should also consider reading some other Natsume Sōseki poems. For example: 

• ‘Over the wintry’ – is a haiku that captures the desolate beauty of a winter landscape.

Other related poems include: 

• ‘Everything I touch’ by Kobayashi Issa – is a beautiful haiku that speaks about relationships and nature. 
• ‘The Old Pond’ by Matsuo Bashō – a very famous haiku that describes a frog jumping into a pond.