excellent poem; famous poem
Refers to a tanka, haiku, or similar short poem that is widely recognized as outstanding or celebrated.
superb rendition of a poem
Used when someone recites or chants a poem with exceptional skill, not for the poem itself.
His recitation was truly a superb rendition of the poem.
This haiku is known as one of Bashō's famous poems.
Compound of 名 (mei, 'famous, excellent') and 吟 (gin, 'recitation, poem'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination naturally conveys 'excellent poem' or 'excellent recitation'.