When I first started writing
my son sent me a poem.
A poem I could relate to
and love.
I began searching his books
as he was out of the country
to see where it came from.
I posted
and it is somewhere on past posts.
SPRING IN THE GARDEN
"Five T'ang Poets" translated by David Young
After a night of rain
I go out, wearing clogs
wrapped in an old overcoat
against the spring cold
water pours white
through the open dikes
peach blossom glow red
beyond the willows
fields of new grass spread away
edged and checkered
poles rise from the wells
at the wood's edge
I go back in
to write at my small desk
evening arrives, I'm alone
happy among the green weeds.
My favorite book
is
"The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse"
by Red Pine
here are some more on my table
"Mountain Home
The Wilderness Poetry of Ancient China"
translated by David Hinton
"The Selected Poems of Po Chu-1
translated by David Hinton
"Five T'ang Poets"
translated by David Young
"A Drifting Boat - Chinese Zen Poetry"
Edited by J.P. Seaton and Dennis Maloney
I find it amazing that these poems
have been translated.
I would never have suspected that in my
later years that I would be drawn to this type of poetry.
This one knows the answer
the words describe a simpler lifestyle
then I have known in the past
which at this time of my life
I am focusing on.
There are many more among his collection of books
but these are some of my favorites
and I have ordered copies for myself
so I can mark and date...
All books available from Amazon
9 comments:
The first poem reminded me of you. I tend to see everything that is outside my windows. I have always been one to look up and I see squirrel nests, or an abandoned hornets nest--right over my neighbor's house that she has never noticed. Growing up on the farm, I was outside so much that I have become very in tune with nature--I seem to notice things that others never see. It's kind of strange to me, but I am glad.
Chinese poetry and Haiku is gentle even in a harsh situation.
They are so reserved and correct.
I too love them and appreciate your sharing.
Your posts are so encouraging!
((hugs))
Judy, thank you and we are much alike as I notice nature things that many do not.
Sandy, right on. Tabor for you made this post :)
'Spring in the Garden' is a lovely poem.
I have a book by Lin Yutang, that I just dug out of my little library here in my cottage. The book is "The Importance of Living". It is an older edition, 1938, we probably bought it at the flea market or a yard sale. While I don't agree with everything in this book, there are plenty of gems to be gleaned and they influenced our life.
I also enjoy the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist master.
Have a lovely day Ernestine in your cottage in the woods.
Love, hugs and prayers ~ FlowerLady
Lorraine, like you I do not believe all I read
but do pick up nuggets of truth and wisdom. So much to learn in this lifetime and I will never finish all I want to do :)
Thank you for your blog. I go right away and look up something you have suggested. So many things have now enriched my daily life. thnx
Judi, thank you so much...
I started the day full of anger at friends I felt had been unkind and unfeeling . I read your comments and the poetry and was calmed. Thank you.
PatK, thank you and I find reading these special words calm me and many times read them before going to bed at night.
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