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
by Ryokan, translated by John Stevens.
© 1993 by John Stevens.
Reprinted by arrangement with
Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston,
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