Taigu Ryokan Poems

Too lazy to be ambitious,
I let the world take care of itself.
Ten days' worth of rice in my bag;
a bundle of twigs by the fireplace.
...

First days of Spring-the sky
is bright blue, the sun huge and warm.
Everything's turning green.
...

I watch people in the world
Throw away their lives lusting after things,
Never able to satisfy their desires,
Falling into deeper despair
...

have you forgotten me
or lost the path here?
i wait for you
all day, every day
...

Blending with the wind,
Snow falls;
Blending with the snow,
The wind blows.
...

you must rise above
the gloomy clouds
covering the mountaintop
...

in this dream world
we doze
and talk of dreams --
dream, dream on,
...

My legacy --
What will it be?
Flowers in spring,
The cuckoo in summer,
...

The thief left it behind:
the moon
at my window.
...

today's begging is finished; at the crossroads
i wander by the side of hachiman shrine
talking with some children.
last year, a foolish monk;
...