April 23rd, 2023

In the still night by the vacant window,
wrapped in monk’s robe I sit in meditation,
navel and nostrils lined up straight,
ears paired to the slope of shoulders.
Window whitens--the moon comes up;
rain’s stopped, but drops go on dripping.
Wonderful—the mood of this moment;
distant, vast.

Ryokan (1758-1831)