Cranes in the wilderness, lonely clouds - their

destination is uncertain:

where in this world am I to address my deepest thoughts?...

Betsugen Enshi

from 

Zen Poems

 

A heart is breaking into shards

in wake of dawn's parting.

Surely there are worlds where one can live free

of this yearning.

But how can I ever find

the way to quiet my mind?

On moonlit nights, and

even nights blotted of the moon,

I lie disconsolate. 

From Cuckoo by 

Shinkei

Blood Worm Moon setting this morning over Albuquerque
 as seen from high up on the Bear Canyon mountain trail.

 

Images from recent morning mountain walks

For an image of life and death

consider ice and water

water freezes into ice

ice melts back into water 

what dies must live again

what lives is bound to die

ice and water don't harm each other

both life and death are fine

From the Collected songs of

COLD MOUNTAIN

 

Just the wild mountain, Finn and I on our beloved trail.

 

Praise to the skies:

alone in moonlight early dawn

a cuckoo cries.

Hoyu 1690

 

Clouds drifting off:

the sight of

moonlit heavens.

Kiazan 1786

February's Snow Moon setting

 

Dawn breaks

and blossoms open

gates of Paradise.

Saimu

1679