Today, I was sick.
The doctor said there was nothing wrong,
yet returning to the pavilion lake,
rains accompany my wakes.
A swelling sensation stuffed my chest,
I can't help but lay down and closed my eyes.

I saw a monk stopped by.
He had heard of my question before,
so he gave me an answer.
Rock is karma.
I asked him to explain,
but he smiled and left.

Rock is cause, and effect!
An amusing traveler answered with a smile.
Letting out a chuckle, I asked how so?
Reaching his hand for a rock from the street,
He rolled, it stopped after a moment.
He looked at me in the eyes, then walked away.
It was then, I understood.
Exerting force upon it, causes it to roll.
Where it lands, is effects…
Sowing a seed incurs cause.
Returning next summer, a sprout took its place.
⁠— this is effect.

Waiting at the crossroad,
I’ve met countless travelers.
Shaking my head from disappointment,
They could not answer my question.
— What is a rock?

Tears of moon…
A single drop to poison the ocean,
Alluring charms that drown many men.
Why must you veil yourself
Behind clouds?
Laying here with opened window,
The clouds swayed.
A pity, your words are too far away.

I can let go of my memory,
but not my sorrow.
I can let go of my past,
but not my mistakes.
Mistakes are made,
stakes are created,
Fixing my mistakes,
or lower the stakes?

Sigh. All things part.
Friends, where are they now?
Returning to eastern stream,
My turtle friend has long departed life.
Strolling the street,
My friend had become a craftsman.
Back in the capital,
My friend had become a merchant.
Standing here where it all began,
I can only watch their path split apart.