Pilgrim, when new leaves
 
appear on the ginkgo tree,
 
set out with your staff.

 
 
 

in the embrowning
 
of a single ginkgo leaf
 
my whole life’s story

 
 
 

First of October—
 
every leaf is still clinging
 
to the ginkgo tree.

Ears

 
 
 

Buddha has big ears,
 
the better to hear leaves fall
 
from the ginkgo tree.