Ryokan Translations of Zen Death Haiku

Ryokan translations of Zen Death Haiku and other Poems First one hidden face is revealed, then the other; thus spinning it falls, the autumn leaf. —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch This world: a distant mountain echo dying unheard in the Void ... —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch The peonies I planted around my hut I must now surrender to the wind’s will —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch Wild peonies blossoming in their prime, glorious in full bloom: Too precious to pick, Too precious to leave unplucked —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch I persuaded a child to purchase rural wine; once I'm nicely tipsy, I’ll slap down some calligraphy. —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch The thief missed it: the moon bejeweling my window. —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch The Orchid Deep in the valley, a secluded beauty! Serene, peerless, impossibly lovely. In the bamboo thicket’s shadowy tower she seems to sigh softly for a lover. —Ryokan (1758-1831), loose translation by Michael R. Burch