Blow, Wind, blow,

I bow

before you.

 

Rain, Clouds, rain,

your soft tears

refresh me.

 

Snow, flakes, snow,

your white cloak

protects me.

 

Freeze, frost, freeze,

your crystals

adorn me.

 

Shine, sun, shine,

your bright rays

warm me.

 

Lance, lightning, lance,

your spears

do not harm me.

 

For I am Bamboo

and I  live

forever.

 
 

David Garlick, Kamakura, Japan, 1992