THIS SIDE AND THAT SIDE

It is easy, you say
to tell which is in
side, which without.

You can walk
from here to there
and there to here,
but if you stop
at some point
along the way
can you see
where you are?
Let me make it simple.
I will hand you a brush,
now paint a line
across the ocean.
On which side
do you tread water?



           - after Shobogenzo 89

Joshu's Oak (after Mumonkan 37)

無門關 三十七 

Look out of the window

the garden is barren

of oaks, nor is this

a Temple in China.

If you listen carefully

a thousand branches

bend quietly in the wind,

a simple wave washing

oak leaves onto

expectant soil.