Willow's Sway

I wrote this surrounded by willows and crowds of Chinese people in a park in Beijing.


Willow's Sway

The Willow weeps beside the lake.

Beneath its boughs I find

Shelter from mid-autumn’s rush

In a willow’s peace of mind.

Like its leaves hang carelessly,

So I think shall I,

Let my cares become the wind

And drift within the sky.

As I sway with the breeze,

I no longer see

My role and part in the play

Of what is to be.

I’m a simple face with simple thoughts

Swaying with a crowd

Of simple people with simple lives;

No distinction to be proud.

In each breeze and touch of sun

We find our heart’s content

To simply live upon the earth

Our God to us has lent.

I’m awakened by the cities moan;

The willow can’t detain.

I venture back into the busy world,

To my minds disdain.

                              Jack Shirley