Judged on its concentrated power alone, for this is virtually all an English reader can evaluate, this poem is a masterpiece. Its content can be condensed into five lines because much of its impact lies in its suggestiveness. It is, however, closed-ended, with no philosophical implications other than a wry look at human perceptions. Haiku added new dimensions to Japanese poetry.
The early aristocratic era gave Japanese poetry its form, the five-line waka, and its subject matter, nature and the emotions. Later the familiar Japanese idea that life is but a fleeting moment and all things must blossom and fade was added. One critic has noted that as this idea took hold, poems gradually changed from praise of the plum blossom, which lasts for weeks, to praise of the cherry blossom, which fades in a matter of days.
Hisakata no
On a day in spring
Hikari nodokeki
When the light throughout the sky
Haru no hi ni
Warms with tranquility.
Shizugokoro naku
Why is it with unsettled heart