Zen Master Ryokan...

What quiet loneliness fills the autumn air!

As I lean on my staff, the wind turns cold.

A solitary village lies shrouded in mist
By a country bridge, a figure passes
bound for home.

An old crow comes to roost in the ancient forest.

Lines of wild geese slant toward the horizon.

Only a monk in black robes remains
Standing motionless before the river at twilight..



- Ryokan
['Autumn Twilight' from 'Great Fool : Zen Master Ryokan, Poems, Letters & Other Writings'. Translated by Abe & Haskel]