An old grave hidden away at the foot of a deserted hill,
Overrun with rank weeds growing unchecked year after year;
There is no one left to tend the tomb,
And only an occasional woodcutter passes by.
Once I was his pupil, a youth with shaggy hair,
Learning deeply from him by the Narrow River.
One morning I set off on my solitary journey
And the years passed between us in silence.
Now I have returned to find him at rest here;
How can I honor his departed spirit?
I pour a dipper of pure water over his tombstone
And offer a silent prayer.
The sun suddenly disappears behind the hill
And I’m enveloped by the roar of the wind in the pines.
I try to pull myself away but cannot;
A flood of tears soaks my sleeves.
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To my tgeacher
I felt this poem to be timeless , generation after generation
people can enjoy his words and what a poignant tale this poem tells.
What a gentle compassionate poet, we discover as we read of his distress about the death of his beloved teacher and his frustration as he decided how to honour his spirit.Truly a poem to read and read again -
From guest Mike Wasouski (contact)
This is such a nice and lovely poem, i wish that you could have been my teacher for this year and teach us Everything about Language arts. Much respect for you!! R.I.P. -
Such respect for ones teacher! A true offering from the soul which was all he could offer... a man not afraid to cry, or let others known he had, Taigu Ryokan I wish you had been my teacher as well. RIP.
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beautiful!
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This gave me shivers. It reminds me so much of my grandpa, who passed away just over a year ago.
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13 months later and i've once again returned to this poem. It still fills me with a sense of deep love and respect. Yet the final line is full of regret I feel. My opinion has changed slightly of the year but it's still awe inspiring for me.
Von -
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To Guest Mark.
Indeed it should have been weeks and it has been changed.
Many thanks for your help.
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Very good poem...I truly felt it...
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The feeling of utter desolation pervades this poem - it has affected me more than I can describe.
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