ryokan's words

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 by 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's my turn.

playing like this, here and there, i have forgotten the 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 besides this.

daigu ryokan