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,