November 07th, 2026

The moon appears in every season,
It is true, but surely it’s best in fall.
In autumn, mountains loom
And water runs clear.

A brilliant disk floats across the infinite sky,
And there is no sense of light and darkness,
For everything is permeated with its presence.

The boundless sky above,
The autumn chill on my face.
I take my precious staff and wander
About the hills.

Not a speck of the world’s dust anywhere,
Just the brilliant beams of moonlight.
I hope others, too, are gazing on this
Moon tonight, and that it’s
Illuminating all kinds of people.

Ryokan (1758-1831)