Basho Reviews:

                                                        Poverty's Child-
                                                    he starts to grind the rice,
                                                      and gazes at the moon.

    This Haiku is basically  about a child facing poverty. Who is most likely working in a rice field, grinding rice. And while he is working he gazes up at the moon, as if imagining he was somewhere else. In a way the moon is a symbol. For example, a better and free place, where the child would obviously rather be.
    I like this particular Haiku. This is because it is so simple but has a deeper meaning. The poem shows pain, and hope, which makes it very strong with emotions. My overall favorite part of this haiku was that he gazed up at the moon. This is because it shows that he has hope and determination. And, that he will someday be in the better place that he is dreaming of. Because, everything fits together I really don't have a least favorite part. And for this reason I wouldn't change anything in this Haiku.
 

                                                                  T he sun's way:
                                            hollyhocks turn toward it
                                           through all the rain of May

    This Haiku is about the hollyhocks looking toward the sun, even though it is rainging. This Haiku shows a positive outlook on life because it is saying that even though something is not necessarily good, but that you can make the best of it. Basically, the holyhocks are sitting in the rain, but are still pointed to the sun. Showing that they can use the rain to its advantage.
    I dont particuraly like this haiku. I find it boring and dull. I do not have a most and a least favorite part of the poem, because I dont like it. However I wouldn't change anything in the poem. The poem itself is fine. But, I do not like it. However, I think the point of view and the overall outlook of the poem is very interesting. And, it makes the poem a little more enjoyable.

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Trent A. 4-2-02