Like An Elephant's Tail

Six from Dogen (1200-1253):


The moon reflected
In a mind clear
As still water:
Even the waves, breaking,
Are reflecting its light.

***

A white heron
Hiding itself
In the snowy field,
Where even the winter grass
Cannot be seen.

***

If you ask,
What is Buddha?
An icicle
Hanging
From a mosquito net.

***

Magpie building
Its nest on his head,
While a spider's web,
Like tiny crabs,
Covers his eyebrows.

***

The world—
Like an elephant's tail
Not passing through the window,
Although no one is there
Holding it back.

***

Contemplating the clear moon
Reflecting a mind empty as the open sky—
Drawn by its beauty,
I lose myself
In the shadows it casts.

_______________________

—Medusa

Medusa encourages poets of all ilk and ages to send their poetry and announcements of Northern California poetry events to kathykieth@hotmail.com for posting on this daily Snake blog. Rights remain with the poets.