Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POEMS OF COLD MOUNTAIN: 66 by HAN SHAN

First Line: WHOEVER RUNS INTO A GHOST OR SPIRIT
Last Line: FINDS NOWHERE TO SINK ITS BEAK
Subject(s): BUDDHISM; CHINESE LITERATURE; GHOSTS; SUPERNATURAL; BUDDHA; BUDDHISTS;

Whoever runs into a ghost or spirit
first of all don't be afraid
be firm don't try to grab it
call its name it'll leave
petition the Buddha with incense
bow down and ask a monk's aid
a mosquito that lands on an iron ox
finds nowhere to sink its beak



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