national Taiwan parks

the roots of Chinese medicine?
a respect for strange formations,
proper spirit interaction,
showering down from trees.
provincial inspiration?
from Japanese intervention,
aboriginal affection.
melange of
Soviet youth corps campers,
and American recreational
gazing at the wonder,
daredevils doing documentaries,
surviving reality shows,
and buying souvenirs.
European's dividing it from culture; 
God's creation serving man's purpose,
the bible's fruitful injunction.  
to harness all for science,
ravaging her for industry,
the pathway to obituary.
through Western Chauvinism
that tells you
"trees cannot in a forest fall
without you there to view it."
unnatural detachment 
from the "qi" energy
that unites us all 

3-22-16

watching youth harvesting Han River

watching youth harvesting Han River
beating the water with sticks
gathering nets of living luck
disturbing the flowing stream
but causing not in wakes a ripple
my reflection upon the surface
as the waters flow below
while potato fields lie fallow behind 
for passing riders to take what may
why did the farmers who planted go
leaving us all here unwanted
no one picking fruit off my branches
i stay put, abundant but unfulfilled
the next generation moving on ahead
shall i fold my hands in my lap
listen to the wind 
the roar of marching wheels 
take evasive action
counting notches on my belt
with a fisherman's patience
knowing waters pass his way
the catch will be passing
if he leaves his line inside

3-8-16