Full Moon Zen

I saw some zen in the full moon last night.

Or rather say I saw some zen

In the moon’s reflection.

For I’d carefully placed a bucket

Half-filled with water

In a little clearing out back between the palm trees,

To catch the moon’s reflection

If it happened by this way.

Ha! Ha! So big and glorious an object

Caught in my old bucket!

I approached the bucket carefully,

Hoping to see the moon I’d caught.

How it gleamed in the dark water!

A perfect little moon.

I gazed into the bucket

And reflected upon the moon's reflection.

Then, emptying my mind,

I found some zen there.

After awhile I turned from gazing into the bucket

To look upon the real thing

Hanging in the sky overhead.

How it gleamed in the dark sky!

A perfect little moon.

Hmmm, I thought.

It’s wonderful to have a moon above us.

A friendly influence in high places.

A heavenly cameo shining brightly

To light our way in the night.

A moon to ponder upon and gain courage from.

To inspire both the lovesick

And the lunatics.

And the rest of us too.

(Although lovesick or lunatic

Probably covers everybody.)

Oh moon!

Forever flying the skies you make friendly,

Thank you for your zen.