"Soon to die, yet no sign of it, in the cicada's cry".
I still remember how excitedly my late American husband flew to China from US at that time. Before he taught English in China, he especially studied hard for a few months to obtain his TEFL certificate. He wanted to start a new life, who knows his life just came to an end after 1 year of his "singing" in China ? Otherwise, the real good days were coming, he would be the teacher/professor in a Chinese college.
He dedicated his life in teaching Chinese students, he was the most kindhearted American who always loved to help people. He taught English for free in the English corner every Saturday, offering a wonderful chance of learning English from American teacher for poor Chinese students.
Only God knows how China is a very closed country! Most of Chinese have even never seen any foreigner in reality in lifetime.
"in the cicada's cry
is no sign
it will soon die"
Japanese haiku is always beautiful! After experiencing the sudden death, I can understand that kind of art beauty of "the fleeting transience of life" so well!