January 10th, 2018

Its dawn-lit peaks are a painting
of serrated jade
my doorway is graced by the shadows
of windblown vines
when I hiked its trails
I took a dog along
when I returned at dusk
I brought back firewood
below Gibbon Howling Tree
travelers scan the clouds
in Departed Crane Pond
monks wash their bowls
don't think I've lost my love
of transcendence
I'm off with books and sword
to serve an enlightened age.

Li Pai (701-762)