A New Year's Toast

Blanche — don't ask — it isn't right for us to know what ends
Fate may have in store for us. Don't dial up Psychic Friends.
Isn't it better just to take whatever the future sends,
Whether the new millennium goes off without a hitch
Or World War III is triggered by an old computer glitch?
Wise up. Have a drink. Keep plans to a modest pitch.
Even as we're talking here, we spend the time we borrow.
Seize Today — trust nothing to that sly old cheat, Tomorrow.

The Lord's Prayer in Verse

Almighty father! of high Heaven possess'd!
Be thy name holy, and thy power confess'd!
Teach us, on earth to know, and do thy will ;
As Heaven's bright train thy great commands fulfill.
Gracious, our daily bread of life, bestow:
And show us mercy , as we mercy show:
Guard us, from strong temptation's powerful call,
Nor, when we meet with evil , let us fall .

On the Sixteenth Day I Visit the Temple Again

After ten days I come here again,
climbing, gazing — even more peaceful than before.
The old monks boil lichens for me,
sit with their guest on the mountain top.
From a dark cave — clouds and fog arise.
On a sunny slope — cows and horses graze.
I sigh — I left the city too late
and missed the chrysanthemums this autumn.

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