April 14th, 2023

In the still night
by the vacant window,
wrapped in monk’s robe
I sit in meditation,
navel and nostrils
lined up straight,
ears paired
to the slope of shoulders.
Window whitens--
the moon comes up;
rain’s stopped,
but drops go on dripping.
Wonderful—
the mood of this moment;
distant, vast.

Ryokan (1758-1831)