Japanese Hokku 3 — Summary

In just three short lines, Lewis Alexander gives a gentle nudge toward living instead of only observing. The speaker asks why anyone would sit frozen like the sphinx—a figure known for stillness and silence—while a caravan full of movement and life passes by. The speaker’s tone isn’t harsh; it’s more like a friend tugging your sleeve. The final line, “Join in the parade,” turns the idea into a small celebration. The caravan becomes a parade when you take part in it. The mood is bright, inviting, and slightly playful. It suggests that standing apart can feel safe or mysterious, but it also means missing out. Being in the crowd, moving with others, makes ordinary life feel more colorful.