Ryōkan
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
Thank you.
Outside, the plop-plop of rainwater dripping from leaves.
Against the wall, my old staff displays its hidden ridges and furrows.
But whom have I to entertain?
Books lie on my bare floor.
But I'm not even tempted
to stretch out my hand.
The flavor of this night is known only to me.
Hours later
Days later, how can it ever be described?
Our life in this world, to what shall I compare it?
It's like an echo resounding through the mountains.
and off into the empty sky.
Tonight the plum trees reflect the silver moon.
Both are full in bloom.
I've left the world far behind My robe is covered with moss A small bundle of firewood burns Brightening the sky
Back and forth, back and forth, all day the bent old man carries water for the parched rice seedlings.
Late at night, listening to the winter rain, recalling my youth.
Was it a dream?
Was I really young once?