This World of Dew

I see a green tree. It is all I want. A dry rocky mountain and a hawk satisfy. To die spiritually in the hot sun and the body go on climbing. To take the paths among the rocks and mahogany bush. To feed on rock lichen and blue sky. To not need a house. To leave my mind in the foothills. To climb everything but blind. In the deer shade of the cool aspens. Forgotten by the work force and the shrew. Bored as a badger disturbed at its stream. Free singing as the stream cutting the gorge. Cool as a hummingbird in its wet spray. Caterpillar fur. I stay in the mountains unknown. The roof soot of the city calls me back. The museum women shaking their bodies at the stuffed tigers. The meditating curators and entrepreneurs. Burro.                 *                  *                  * Old Basho, early Spring, took fond leave of his friends, closed his small house at edge of village, and with one peasant companion climbed the long narrow road to       the North. Blessed morning!       the day I left life behind             but not this world of dew.