1794
.奈良坂や花の咲く夜も鹿の声
narazaka ya hana no saku yo mo shika no koe
Narazaka--
even as night's blossoms bloom
the cry of a deer
Narazaka is a section of the ancient capital of Japan, Nara. It is the location of the Nara Zuhiko Shrine. "Blossoms" (hana) can denote cherry blossoms in the shorthand of haiku. I wonder is Issa is implying that the deer should be happy to see the blossoms; yet, even on this night, he hears its plaintive call.
All translations © 1991-2010 by David G. Lanoue, rights reserved.