Ryokan - When all thoughts

[bobby1933]

When all thoughts
Are exhausted
I slip into the woods
And gather
A pile of shepherd's purse.

Like the little stream
Making its way
Through the mossy crevices
I, too, quietly
Turn clear and transparent.

-- from Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan, Translated by John Stevens
Poetry Chaikhana | Ryokan - When all thoughts

Comments

[vaporw]

I use to slip into the woods as a kid, but now it's to one of the many islands and beaches, or just on my lanai, so the water can ebb away those intrusive thoughts.

[bobby1933]

That sounds wonderful
And i know it is wonderful
as i do things sort of like that too.

[vaporw]

Beautiful

[bobby1933]

Yes, it is!
Thank you for reading it and liking it.

[amaebi]

How funny. shepherd's purse has turned up in my LJ feed twice between yesterday and today (in my reading time).

[bobby1933]

You have lovers of flora among your friends.

[amaebi]

True dat.