Like vanishing dew, br a passing apparition, br or a sudden flash of br lightning ~ already gone ~ br so should one regard ones self. br br What might I leave you br as my lasting legacy ~ br flowers in springtime, br the mockingbird singing all summer, br the yellow leaves of autumn. br br Only now do I know br that power ~ greater than storms, br a heart-rending awe br silencing all the pines br at nightfall on the mountain. br br If pressed to compare br this brief life, I would say br it’s like the boat br that crossed this morning’s harbor, br leaving no mark on the world. br br To learn to die, br watch the cherry blossoms br observe the chrysanthemums. br O voice of the all night wind and rain, br do you count the petals falling.