A review by djoshuva
Hojoki: Visions of a Torn World by Kamo No Chomei

5.0

Sometimes I go to the capital
and am aware
I look like a begging monk.

But when I return
I pity those who seek
the dross of the world.

If you doubt my words,
consider the fish and birds.

Fish do not hate the water.
But then, none can know
the happiness of the fish
unless he is one.

Birds love the woods.
If you are not a bird
you will not know its truths.

A quiet life is much the same.
How would anyone know it
without living it?