June 26th, 2016

Sweeping Leaves

Lacking cash to buy firewood
I sweep up leaves from the
Road in front.
Each one as valuable as gold:
Piled up like gorgeous
Red brocades.
I covet them greedily for
Warming my knees,
And to bring some comfort
To my cold heart:
I'll take them back to burn
In the hearth
While I sit in meditation,
And return to listening to the rain
Dripping on the steps.

Ryushu Shutaku (1308-1388)