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The Wannabe Chinese Poet Seeks Shade
by
Steve West


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"More than enough is not what I desire."
                                     
  --T'ao Ch'ien

I plant three rows of beans,
Two squash plants, two cucumber vines,
Three tomato plants, and a bell pepper.

One row of onions. That's enough.
I will care for those few
And water and shade them when
The sun turns vicious.
            It will do. I don't require much.

Hand me that book and a glass of tea,
And the day will be complete.

 

© by Steve West.
Used with the author's permission.
 

 


Steve West teaches English and sponsors the Sigma Tau Delta chapter of the English Honor Society at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee. An ?outdoors person” who loves the West (especially northern New Mexico) and enjoys hiking Tennessee trails and the Ozarks, Steve confesses a weakness for moving water, such as the Buffalo and Little Red Rivers in Arkansas. Ironically, he does not swim and quite prefers fishing from a bank instead of a boat. 


Post New Comment:
Belinda:
A poem that feeds the spirit.
Posted 04/13/2016 02:12 PM
barbsteff:
Good poem and idea. I try to practice "enough," but "more" is my native urge.
Posted 04/13/2016 01:16 PM
rhonasheridan:
That was a real treat - I loved it. I would love to make the tea and fetch the book! I wonder what the book was.
Posted 04/13/2016 10:42 AM
Lori Levy:
Enticing!
Posted 04/13/2016 10:15 AM
carel:
Lovely!
Posted 04/13/2016 10:07 AM
ElizabethP:
Great poem. I love it! :-)
Posted 04/13/2016 08:38 AM
Dorcas:
Sustanence is so simple. If only we could be content. Thank you. A very poignant offering.
Posted 04/13/2016 08:27 AM
Michael:
Strong YDP Steve. Marvelous style. Love the poem's simplicity.
Posted 04/13/2016 07:59 AM
Newf:
Wonderful poem. Love his idea of a garden. Liked the bio too. I also love moving water. Especially small brooks and waterfalls. Can't swim either.
Posted 04/13/2016 04:06 AM


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