I was inspired to write the following poems after reading the Chinese 9th century poet Hanshan, which I can very much recommend! If you like my humble efforts, Hanshan will give you a real treat!
poem #1
Where the rubber meets the road
and there is an old toad
Where I have my abode there
comes the code from the node
poem #2
I met her yesterday by the river
She carried that furry friend
I almost went but then stayed and
exchanged some words and smiles
What before seemed so important
became nothing in that moment
poem #3
I start to feel more empty,
that must be true success
Let me stay like this forever,
bent over a piece of paper
poem #4
To stay out of the clear path,
yet not trip over the vines
Here I am truly speechless
Why is this such a
poem #5
Bubbling pond hide beneath
dark waters immense pressure
the happiest treasure known
You can ignite it, but don’t
It would go off in a beautiful blast
but it wouldn’t last
Stay hidden in the glade
poem #6
7.13 and up since four
cold feet and bent back
bread and lentils in belly
my farts are really smelly
but my joy is out of bounds
poem #7
A heart of gold has no color
yet its brilliance is beyond blinding
What I want to tell you
is that I love you
Instead I just pass by briefly
It is better this way
behind a courteous curtain
you keep your charm
you come to no harm
poem #8
Stirring my cup of rooibos tea
the spoon plays one-two-three
notes from the Imperial March
I haven’t paid rent since April
thinking of it my heart springs
enchanted this magical morning
poem #9
Frosty morning clouds like pink baguettes
Windows steamy with one person’s breath
The roar of an aluminum albatross
Ocean waves of commuting cars
A bird unheard of, the dog lark
with it first bark, a snark remark
a stark awakening in the park.
poem #10
The less I know myself
the more I love myself
Those who say ‘know thyself’
really mean the opposite
Walk the path which is not marked
it is infinitely broad
Be the place which is nowhere
and you are everywhere at once
Control something to the utmost degree
divide the moment infinitesimally
Thus inverting reality
you can set yourself free
poem #11
Am I exhausted?
Then let me be
like a barren tree
on desert sand
The last drop of water
of a cement cylinder
I swear, yet
my mouth is sealed
