The Ancient Evergreen Did Not Become a Buddha
Hotoke to mo
Narade uka uka
Oi no matsu.
The ancient pine-tree
Not yet being wise Buddha
Is idly dreaming.
~Issa
An ancient redwood lived its slowest youth
So long ago that nothing else recalls
It. Redwood mindlessness grew up to truth.
There growing rings beside the tallest falls
It knew no more. It did not need to learn.
It simply scorned religion and its faith.
Fierce forest fires each came along to burn
But bark and height combined turned flames to wraith
In shape of smoked senility. A strong
Mild ignorance protected. Knowledge failed
To be required. The mightinesss grew long
Without enlightenment. The tree exhaled
A calm instead of need to be all wise.
The redwood needed only earth, air, skies.