Pebble on the Tongue: Idle Chatter Over An Iris

Pausing in Osaka along ‘The Narrow Road to the Deep North’ with his travel-worn satchel,having taken in the cherry blossom temples, the wild coasts and stately mountains, Basho, the forebear of Haiku writes of his meanders,

To talk casually
About an iris flower
Is one of the pleasures
Of the wandering journey.

Yes, one of many small – striking – pleasures.