David Meyer • David's Haiku

One might conclude that there exists incompatibility between the philosophies of writing haiku and the structured and disciplined thought involved in the study of nuclear physics. Dr. Akito Arima not only provides a contradictory example to this a conclusion but shows that it is possible to excel in both these areas and others within the span of both a human mind and lifetime. Dr. Arima is well known for his contributions in the world of physics and education. He held a research position at Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, Illinois; served as president of the University of Tokyo; and serves as a member of the House of Councilors in Japan. He is a successful speaker and handles the duties of an administrator admirably. This physicist's ability to handle the rigors and structure of his broad educational, political and administrative life is obvious. Physics and administration require a great deal of focused and structured thought; schedules, papers, formulas and experiments require precision and the ability to remove one's self from his surrounding environment to enter deep concentration. Obviously, Professor Arima possessed this ability. Writing successful haiku requires skills and traits that are completely different, possibly even contradictory, to those listed above. Every person endures these special experiences; few of these people have the temperaments to capture these moments in elegant prose. How can we, when we are focused so deeply in the matters of our personal lives? It is rare today for any person to have the opportunity to leave his or her personal life behind to walk alone for months in order to understand and put into writing simple, elegant haiku. Certainly, Professor Arima's busy and diverse life does not offer him the option for such an experience. Still, he finds the time and the talent to write down fluent haiku. Dr. Arima captures the dual nature of his own life very well in this haiku written in Italy almost two decades ago. Easter: at the priest's waist so many keys (Akito Arima, Einstein's Century p58) Consider the mind of this priest. During Easter, his responsibilities are tremendous. His parishioners are in need, especially now, of emotional and spiritual support as they realize the deep meaning of this occasion. He must prepare and execute a powerful sermon to commemorate the sacrifice of the Christ. Yet, even in the face of these deeply spiritual, personal commitments, he must take care to maintain the menial duties assigned to his post; he secures and protects each room in the Lord's House, plans schedules for sermons and events, and cares for the lawn and building of his church. Few men easily endure such differing burden, and admirable are those who handle such responsibilities well. Dr. Arima certainly has an innate ability to produce elegant haiku, but his talent did not develop in a poetic vacuum. He sought the guidance of a mentor not unlike himself; two decades into his life, he studied under the haiku author Seison Yamaguchi, a professor of engineering. Certainly, this man offered inspiration for the young Arima. Dr. Arima writes haiku of several types. He writes, in many ways, very traditionally. Consider this poem by Akito Arima: summer mist-- flower bulbs are growing on an island (Akito Arima, Einstein's Century p31) See this poet observing this island from the shore; yellow and red buds are beginning to cover the surface of this small land mass. He sees these flowers change color as he walks down the beach tossing stones during the evening. This haiku captures the essence of summer; life has begun and is blooming well, and the world is beginning to show its color. Now consider this haiku by Matsuo Bashô: The morning-glory-- That, too, now turns out Not to be my friend. (Matsuo Bashô translated by Ueda, Matsuo Bashô p60) The two haiku now take on very different meanings. The haiku master is no longer walking unhurriedly along the shore gazing at the island; he now is on that island, trying desperately to remove himself from outside distractions. He is waking up early to dawn seeking to experience a solitary day of reflection. These blooming flowers are no longer full of color and beauty; they are the dark purple of morning flowers. This poet is not alone; nature itself is foiling his attempt to observe its beauty. Dr. Arima writes more often from the aspect not of a wanderer seeking solitude but of a traveler with a diverse agenda. His haiku brim with the experiences of his many forays outside of his home country; he writes of snake handlers taming their poisonous charges and of the melody of mixed languages between the borders of countries. Examine this haiku; it deals not with the act or experience of traveling directly but with the relief of arriving home: early chill-- I reset the wristwatch to my country's time (Akito Arima, Einstein's Century p79) Professor Arima expresses the weariness of a seasoned traveler; he has been away from comfort and familiarity again for many days. He has dealt once with the exhaustion of a several-hour shift in his schedule and will endure another such adjustment. He arrives home not during the comfortable warmth of the summer but the sudden chill of autumn. This is not the most wonderful moment of this traveler's life, but it is one of light relief. He sets his watch again to this now unfamiliar time understanding that, soon, he will feel the comfort of his home again. Enjoy also this haiku by Dr. Arima written in Moscow. drinking black beer-- the light of the midnight sun shines through (Akito Arima, Einstein's Century p47) The professor writes a handful of words that describe so much. The subject of this poem is enjoying such a social ritual during the relieving night of a very hot Moscow summer. Dr. Arima skillfully places the traditional moon high in the sky; both we and the subject see its light through the ceiling slats overhead. The black of his beer complements the midnight sky beautifully; certainly there are multiple such mugs lined along the bar, each reflecting some part of the moon's bright light. We hear active conversation in the room as the occupants of the building share opinions, stories and thoughts. What other activity captures so well the social activities in an unfamiliar country? This poem is marvelous for the depth of the imagery and tradition it presents; this is truly a simple, defining moment during one's travels. Dr. Akito Arima's haiku are wonderful creations. He combines the richness of the heritage of the poetry's style with his experience as a traveler and an observer. He impresses us with his ability to contain the conflicting elements of his many vocations while still retaining the ability to invoke those same elements to produce impressive work. Professor Arima's haiku are elegant pieces of work that draw upon the deep unwritten elements of the scenes about which he writes to produce such wonderfully complete images with grace and elegance.