The most famous haiku is arguably Matsuo Bashō's - ‘old pond / a frog jumps in / the sound of water’. This 17th century haiku has been translated into many languages, and has been mentioned in books, poems, and songs. The simplicity and poise of Bashō's haiku is difficult to match and continues to fascinate readers across the world.
Matsuo Bashō is considered as one of the greatest haiku poets in Japan, who perfected the craft within his lifetime. Bashō's haiku were noted for their depth, intelligence and brevity, always capturing the essence of nature and the human experience. The fact that ‘old pond’ is so widely recognized and appreciated even today speaks volumes about Bashō's brilliance.
Highly regarded in both east and west, the popularity of Bashō's haiku is simply remarkable. It is intriguing to note that a three line poem of just 17 syllables can have such a vast cultural significance. It is certainly inspiring to witness the impact that Bashō's legacy has had in literature and culture around the world.
If you wish to learn more about Bashō’s ‘old pond’, you can find more information here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7v7