THE FLOWER IN THE COURTYARD

                   1

　

the deer hunter does not

see the mountains

the ambitious man does not

see men

                  *

lusting for societal position

I did not see

the flower in the courtyard

I hurried past my own heart

                       *


                       2

The spring flowers, the autumn moon;

Summer breezes, winter snow.

If useless things do not clutter your mind,

You have the best days of your life.                               **

                      *

When you realize what the real is,

You will see we pass from one husk
    to another

Like travelers stopping for
    a night's lodging. **

              *

Only listen to the sound of
         pines and cedars

When no wind stirs.








                 *

There are ten thousand paths to dawn

At the peak of the silver mountain.

                        * 

**  verse by Mumon


compilation and poem  (C)2015 by W.G. Milne