The Usho

  

In Gifu when the sun is low,
in evenings, spring to fall,
the Usho take their poles in hand
while lanterns light the way.

The Cormarant sit on the bow
strings tied around their necks.
They dive for little fish to eat
and Usho hold their sway.

From May through each October,
except on Harvest Moon,
the Usho and the Cormarants
work as one to seize their prey.

Down on the river Nagara
this is an ancient life,
to feed themselves and the birds,
though cruelly some might say.

Through the words of Haiku
Ukai tradition reigns.
2 millennium produced this course,
which still goes on today.

And with Ukai and the Usho
on Gifu Cormarant are chained,
for fishes in Nagara to be caught.
These ways are here to stay.


Oil painting "Fishing" by Nancy Bennett
Photo from Sue's trip to Greensville Artists Guild Gallery.