In Chinese poetry it is the same to compare the fleeting life to dewdrops. Yeah, I believe that the religion has a strong curative effect, it can be a double-edge sword though. In my opinion, Issa is the Japanese version of Su Shi--one of the greatest Chinese poets through history. Despite being an official, Su Shi led a hard life, kept on being banished to the poor and remote places from the rest of his life, even once nearly being executed by those people who envied him.

However, like Issa he could still love and enjoy life in a humorous way, seeking pleasure from the small things and turning suffering into art. (Maybe it is partly due to his own religion, partly due to the love and friendship from his younger brother)

Su Shi not only wrote a lot of good poets/Ci, but also invented quite a few delicious food such as the well-known 东坡肉/Braised Dongpo Pork, Dongpo Doufu, etc. To my surprise, now I notice some information online unexpectedly shows 羊蝎子/Lamb Spine Hot Pot I mentioned firstly originated from Su Shi. When he was in Huizhou(a backward and impoverished region at that time) , the mutton in the market was rare and stinted only for the local officials in power. As an exile, Su Shi had no choice but to cook some waste cheap lamb spines under his unique recipe. Later during Qing dynasty a Mongolian noble found it delicious by accident, then it became a traditional popular dish. (another version of origin)

I love this haiku of Issa!

puny frog
don't give up!
Issa is rooting for you

It is absolutely true that one person can make life hell, whereas one person can also make life heaven.
Thanks for your encouragement and support to me again!