Studio8 - Uniting the Arts

a labor of love watched by generations


I am not amused
said she
of the eternal sea
raging clouds
and churning brine

sand bags will not hold her back
said he
of the angry swell
looming
larger than time

torrents came
and babies wailed
oceans denied their pleasure,

rainbows appeared soon after,
and the land was calm,
soaking up her sun, his treasure

soon the moon and stars fell fast asleep
dreaming dreams of a good earth, dreaming of tales
and a siren's song: "If you love, love openly."

~A


Inspired by this Zen tale:


If You Love, Love Openly

Twenty monks and one nun, who was named Eshun, were practicing meditation with a certain Zen master.

Eshun was very pretty even though her head was shaved and her dress plain.
Several monks secretly fell in love with her. One of them wrote her a love
letter, insisting upon a private meeting.

Eshun did not reply. The following day the master gave a lecture to the group,
and when it was over, Eshun arose. Addressing the one who had written her, she said: "If you really love me so much, come and embrace me now."

An impressive poem.