Basho wrote this one while walking on a pilgrimage, seeing an exposed skull in the field [probably figuratively].


My Translation

A bleached skull exposed—
As wind pierces my soul,
Freezing the heart.

Original Japanese

野ざらしを心に風のしむ身哉

Japanese Pronunciation


Nozarashi wo
Kokoro ni kaze no
Shimu mi kana

Literal Word-for-Word

Exposed skeleton [or skull] causing
Heart into wind’s
[Pierce/permeate/freeze/dye] [body/oneself/life/heart]

Year: 
2011