First Days of Spring, by Ryokan

A lovely spring poem by the Zen monk Ryokan to remind us that the essence of a child is alive within us and that joy is always right here, right now…


From the Book
Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems by Ryokan

First days of spring—blue sky, bright sun.
Everything is gradually becoming fresh and green.
Carrying my bowl, I walk slowly to the village.

The children, surprised to see me,
joyfully crowd about, bringing
my begging trip to an end at the temple gate.

I place my bowl on top of a white rock and
hang my sack from the branch of a tree.

Here we play with the wild grasses and throw a ball.
For a time, I play catch while the children sing;

Then it is my turn.

Playing like this, here and there, I have forgotten time.
Passers-by point and laugh at me, asking,
“What is the reason for such foolishness?”

No answer I give, only a deep bow;
Even if I replied, they would not understand.

Look around! There is nothing but this.

-Ryokan

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