Jürgen Wagner

When we cherish animals with care
Cows and chickens, pigs so fair
Their strength will empower us, that's true
Will be o u r blessing and happiness too
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In Mother Hulda's apple grove so fair
The apple trees stood meagre and bare
Nobody could help, it was a plight:
The gardens in heaven in need of delight!
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Once it was a Celtic warrior
In deep winter, homeward bound
Having eaten naught for ages
Carrying a pot, that he had found
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A young man sought a Zen master's guide
'How long does it last', he eagerly cried
Till I find freedom and peace of mind
Till I'm enlightened, compassionate and kind? '
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Two frogs, they leaped into a pail
With tasty milk, no common tale
They drank their fill, content and dunk
So good it was, that both were drunk
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A prince, indulged, yet sees the pain
He left his castle, not in vain
He pondered on the question, guess!
What is the cause of all this mess?
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A master helding an ailing child
Uttering words so gentle and mild
Then returned the child to parental embrace
'Piece by piece, it shall heal at pace! '
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Under the shade of the palm tree tall
A merchant sat, feeling tired and small
An ape above, with mischief in mind
Threw a coconut down, not so kind
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On a farmer's land, his donkey fell
Deep down into an arid well
He cried out piteously and loud
Until it gathered there a crowd
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In Leeds, there lived a poor old dame
In a world that lacked all shine and fame
In that house were neither meat nor honey
In short: she had so little money!
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Once upon a time in a quaint village small
Hungry wolves caused fear to befall
They devoured houses and fields with delight
As the village lay dormant throughout the night
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To become a butterfly so bright
A few days on Earth in the light
In beauty, you unfold your grace
On blossoms, you find a resting place
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Her beloved child had passed away
The mother finds no peace, they say
Already lost her husband, true
And now her child, anguish grew
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Places of peace, where the strength resides
Sites of stillness, where nature abides
Here one may linger, moments compile
Ancient rifts closing, healing the while
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Before times town dignitaries were invited
To dine in a Zen monastery so spiritual ignited
They dared not discussing a profane thing
A spiritual talk, that's what they tried to begin
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He sought enlightenment everywhere
But found no answer, just despair
Milarepa one day, caught sight of an old chap
Descending the mountain step by step
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In the stillness of a Zen retreat
A master spoke to his disciple, discreet:
'Go to the river, fetch me a cup
Of clear cold water, please fill it up'
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Once seekers were invited to a Zen master's tea
'Dear Master, how do you find happiness, we plea?
We long to be as content as you are
So tell us, what is your personal secret so far? '
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They wandered down a muddy road
Two monks, so arduous and slowed
Much rain had fallen, mud was deep
So they trudged on, their route to keep
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One little poem
Seven years in penal camp
Hail to poetry!
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