January 25^th, 2018

Hermits share mountains with woodsmen
but go there for a different reason
and differ in more than that
they heal themselves in their
terraced gardens
gardens that ward off confusion
with a purity and openness to distant winds

I chose a hill leaning north for my hut
a river to the south for my view
water from a brook instead of a well
for a windbreak I planted hibiscus

my doorway is hidden behind trees
the windows look out on mountains
I zigzag my way down to the fields
and gaze in the distance
at towering peaks

reducing desires means less work
something to which few succeed
I made a path for fellow recluses
I keep hoping friends will visit
pleasures I know are hard to ignore
but I wish I could share these wonders