“…Who would proudly arrange seats, trying to entice guests?”
(from Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage by Shitou Xiqian)
The early morning
Is too early in
The morning.
Clock, shower, and
Clothes demand more
Than most can give.
Still, sitting still,
Cushions arranged
Around the zendo.
She use to live
Here in this place
Built of memory.
Laughter, libations, and
Lighthearted guests
Completed the room
Moments became moments
Moving into being
A life lived.
The one who sits,
Knows feet fall asleep
And crows caw.
The boards are uneven
Now she is gone
Passing as incense.
Snow Mountain Zen 