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Long long ago: Moon and Earth were one Until shattering of celestial hammering Left two dancing where once was one. Setting a tempo for life to come. But that was long long ago Long Ago: She wined with sages of old leaving them drunk upon her light. Men wanting to have more, yet treasuring only the emptiness of her embrace. But that was long ago. Today: It's a busy life. Rockets to build. Humanity busily pounding outwards while... Societies ebb with human tides. No time for poetry as life becomes tied, to fulfilling orders. But that was this morning, already lost in the afternoon press. Tomorrow: I will dance with her Knowing we will be eclipsed Our motions moving us on to get lost in earthly shadows, leaving me to walk alone: yet fulfilled. But tomorrow will be nothing, for those chained to consuming the earth now.
Casey Kochmer Feb 2008
The moon is very important in the history of Taoism as a teacher. In dancing with the moon a person can discover how to fulfill the
nature of emptiness.
Many sages and poets have danced with the moon.
Some additional moon poems by others over time.
Barn's burnt down
now
I can see the moon.
Masahide (1657-1732),
Mild and moist were the months of spring;
Cool and clear is the white season of autumn.
Now the dew congeals, no longer drifting mists.
The sky is high, the landscape sharp and clear.
Soaring peaks rise from yonder mountain range
Seen from here, their lofty beauty is unsurpassed.
Fragrant chrysanthemums deck the woods with splendor;
The green pines stand in rows above the cliff.
I admire their beauteous grandeur,
Elegant and lofty under the frost.
Holding my wine cup, I toast to the mystics
Who once roamed along the pines.
Searching for the essence I have not yet acquired,
Reluctantly I await the rising moon.
T'ao Yuan-ming (365-427 CE)
Having gazed at the moon
I depart from this life
with a blessing
Chiyo-ni's poem at death in 1795
This way and that way
I tried to keep the pail of water together,
Hoping the weak bamboo would never break.
Suddenly the bottom fell out.
No more water
No more moon in the water
emptiness in my hand.
Chiyono (Upon Discovering enlightening with the moon)
Mugai Nyodai, (1223-1298)
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