Han Shan at Bear Cove
for Kevin Coles

Some give up everything to seek the jewel of the mind.
In the dim solitude of forest huts, and caves,
They try to still the pulse of anxious thoughts.
Waiting for silt to settle in the pond,
Their hair grows thin, brittle and grey as hanging moss.

For me, I don't know much; but in this sun, who cares?
The ocean, wild with joy, shatters itself on shelves of rock.
Here, in the tangle of leaves and runners, wet from last night's rain,
Strawberries gleam, dead ripe, bright red, and sweet,
Worth more than anything; we gather them for free.