ふたき
「桜より　松は二木を　三月越し」

12. The Takekuma Pine, Iwanuma

Basho left Edo at the time of cherry blossoms and arrived at Takekuma Pine Tree over three months later. The tree reminded him that needles are evergreen and strong though cherry blossoms fall vainly.  The tree gave solace to his anxiety over his trip and for lonely his life as well.     

sa-ku-ra-yo-ri          (more than cherry blossoms)

ma-tsu-wa fu-ta-ki-wo   (the pine tree with two trunks)

mi-tsuki-go-shi         (over three months)

“My journey took over three months. The pine tree with two trunks gave me more solace than cherry blossoms.”

Season word: sakurayori mitsukigoshi = over three months after cherry blossoms (Summer)