Station 25 Notes

Seifu

Seifu was the pen name of Suzuki Michiyu, a merchant of Benihana. He had originally been associated with the Danrin School of poetry, but later studied under other masters. He edited several anthologies of poetry and died in 1722 at the age of 71. He was in his late thirties at the tie of Basho's visit.

Fresh air

After his frightening and difficult trip over the mountains Basho speaks of the relief of 'being at home.' This seems an odd sentiment for a travelling man. Perhaps the yearning for home is better than being at home.

Nursery

This is an allusion to Manyoshu #2265:

Asagasumi/ kaiya ga shita ni/ naku kawazu/ koe da ni kikaba/ ware koime ya mo.

(In the morning mist/ Under the silkworm nurdery/ A toad croaks.../ If only I could hear our voice/ None of this yearning for you! Ueda Makoto).

It is also a reference to Manyoshu #3818:

Asagasumi/ kaiya ga shita no/ naku kawazu/ shinobitsutsu ari/ to tsugen ko mo ga mo.