かぶと
「むざんやな　甲の下の　きりぎりす」

30. The Tata Shrine, Komatsu

There were grasshoppers around the worrier’s helmet like ghosts incarnate. This is the helmet of Mr. Saito Sanemori, who was beaten by Kiso Yoshinaka during their battle.

Kiso Yoshinaka had to beat Saito Sanemori despite the fact that Saito Sanemori was his foster parent.  Therefore, Kiso Yoshinaka　dedicated his battle helmet to the Tada shrine. Basho described the mercilessness of the battle evoked by the sight of the grasshoppers.

Mu-za-n ya-na         (Mercilessness!)

Ka-bu-to no shi-ta no   (under the helmet)

Ki-ri-gi-ri-su            (Grasshoppers)

“What’s a merciless history. I feel on seeing grass hoppers under the helmet.”

Season word: grasshoppers (Autumn)