Yes, I’m Truly A Dunce

Taigu RyokanTaigu Ryokan

1 min read · 12.4K reads

Yes, I’m truly a dunce
Living among trees and plants.
Please don’t question me about illusion and enlightenment --
This old fellow just likes to smile to himself.
I wade across streams with bony legs,
And carry a bag about in fine spring weather.
That’s my life,
And the world owes me nothing.
Taigu Ryokan
About the poet

Taigu Ryokan

1758-1831/JapaneseRyōkan was born in the village of Izumozaki in Echigo Province (now Niigata Prefecture) in Japan to the village headman. He renounced the world at an early age to train at nearby Sōtō Zen temple Kōshōji, refusing to meet with or accept chari…

View profile & all 45 Poems / Stories

More Poetry & Stories You May Like