The Profound Depths of Waiting

"If the cuckoo does not sing, 〇〇〇〇〇〇〇 cuckoo" is a haiku famously known for encapsulating the temperaments of three great figures: Oda Nobunaga's ferocity, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's cunning, and Tokugawa Ieyasu's patience. Given that the cuckoo is a seasonal word for summer, this haiku is often discussed around this time when new lives begin to settle.
 
The haiku of the cuckoo is sometimes employed as a metaphor for individuals.
 
Recently, I had the privilege of attending a lecture on Natsume Soseki. The speaker concluded the lecture by expressing the literary giant with the haiku, "If the cuckoo does not sing, I too will wait, cuckoo." By placing Soseki alongside the renowned three great figures, the lecture ended with a pleasant humor and a deeper reflection in the quietness. Of course, there may be differing opinions, but these 17 characters have the effect of making the audience re-digest the lecture. Indeed, I was one of them.
 
This haiku about Natsume Soseki seems to be not merely a depiction of waiting for a silent bird, but also a mirror reflecting the fundamental nature of humanity.
 
When you ponder it, there is nothing that tests human spirituality more than the act of waiting. It is not merely observing the passage of time. It involves a complex interplay of various emotions such as hidden expectations, resignation, anxiety, and tranquility. Although Soseki's "I" is a personified cat, its demeanor seems to embody the universal emotions that humans hold.
 
The cuckoo, as a bird that heralds the arrival of summer, has been sung in many poems since ancient times. Its single call captivates people's hearts and evokes the changing seasons. However, to hear its voice, one must quietly wait for the time. This seems to demonstrate human humility towards the natural order.
 
In literary works, the motif of "waiting" has played an important role. Waiting for a beloved, waiting for the return of family, waiting for dreams to come true. These add depth to the story and stir the reader's heart. In Soseki's works, the characters also experience "waiting" in various forms. The "I" waiting for the confession of the teacher in "Kokoro," Sanshiro waiting with a premonition of Mineko's change of heart in "Sanshiro." Their longing figures resonate with the reader's own experiences, touching the deep folds of emotions.
 
The haiku "If the cuckoo does not sing, I too will wait, cuckoo" conveys a quiet determination akin to resignation. It may indicate a state of transcendence, where one entrusts oneself to the natural flow and the passage of time, rather than succumbing to anxiety and impatience.
 
Modern society can be described as "time performance-oriented." According to a survey conducted by a watch manufacturer in 2024, about 60% of people responded that they "act with time performance in mind in daily life." Always seeking speed and prioritizing efficiency. The time spent waiting for something is often regarded as wasted. However, this haiku about Soseki seems to question whether there is something to be seen and felt in the act of stopping and waiting.
 
As I savor this haiku again while feeling the spring breeze blowing through the skyscrapers, it reminds me of the importance of quiet time that I had almost forgotten in the busy daily life. The figure of "I" waiting for the silent cuckoo quietly speaks to us about the importance of stopping and listening to our inner voice.
 
 
Greetings, I am Kuzei Ryosei, a novelist who delves into a diverse array of genres, spanning from the historical to the contemporary. My aim is to enchant readers with tales that breathe life into history and explore the intricate issues of modern society. I warmly invite you to reach out to me.