PO CHU-I
(772–846)

After Reading Lao Tzu

"One who speaks does not know; one who knows does not speak."
Thus I have been instructed by the Old Master.

If you tell me the Old Master was one who knew, I ask,
Why did he write five thousand words to explain it?

Invitation to Liu the 19 ^th

Clear, fresh, Lu-yi sake
warms on my little stove.

This evening sky may bring snow.
Come enjoy a cup with me.

LIU TSUNG-YUAN
(773–819)

Snowy River

The birds have vanished
from a thousand mountains.
On a thousand trails,
not a single human sign.

A little boat,
a bamboo hat and cloak—
the old man, alone,
fishing the snowy river.

MATSUO BASHO
(1644–1682)

Selected Haiku

Under full blossom—
a spirited monk and
a flirtatious wife

Within the skylark's song—
the distinct rhythm of
the pheasant's cry

Kannon's tiled temple
roof floats far away in clouds
of cherry blossoms

How very noble!
One who finds no satori
in the lightning flash