She stays some nights, by
lamplight studying, or in
bed, watching the moon
stray among still branches
The solitude of the hut's location is brought to her full attention when she realizes how long the walk-in would be in darkness and rainy or icy conditions. "Should I get up and check my flashlight batteries again?" she wonders, pulling the blanket up to her chin.
I don't let white clouds leave the valley lightly
I escort the moon as far as my closed gate
--Han-shan Te-ch'ing in The Clouds Should Know Me By Now 120 (tr. Red Pine)
Web site of part-time Soto Zen hermitary in Eugene, Oregon
