Riches

Walking through the mountain pass,
Pearls of snow crunch underfoot.

Moving down the slope,
The sapphire lake comes into view.

Striding to the shore,
Golden sand sifts through toes.

Prostrating along the edge,
Crystal water quenches thirst.

Approaching the destination –
An emerald bay with an island hut.

Give up this simple wayfarer’s life?
No thank you – I couldn’t afford to.

The Path

- Gansho Inja

Winter Storm

Naked alders dance in the wind
Like tall grass, in a gentle breeze.

Maybe when the dance is over
I'll find more wood to feed my stove.

Warm until then, my little hut -
A cozy anthill in the grass.