Pilgrimage

Somewhere on the Island of Shikoku (probably in Matsuyama) in 1997, I took this photo,

while on a trip with othe Yuki Teikei members and Kiyoko..

The white coats, walking staffs, sensible hats, footgear and trousers 

mark them as pilgrims.They are making the same sort of walking tour 

that Basho made, visiting holy sites in search of spiritual enlightenment. 

Basho might have noticed their walking shoes,

I seem to remember that he walked in straw sandals.

Not quite dark yet

and the stars shining

above the withered fields

Basho

translated by Robert Hass

The Essential Haiku; 
versions of Basho, Buson and Issa,

edited by Robert Hass, Ecco, 1994, page 104.