You better not fool with a Bumblebee!-- Ef you don't think they can sting -- you'll see! They're lazy to look at, an' kind o' go Buzzin' an' bummin' aroun' so slow, An' ac' so slouchy an' all fagged out, Danglin' their legs as they drone about The hollyhawks 'at they can't climb in 'Ithout ist a-tumble-un out ag'in! Wunst I watched one climb clean 'way In a jimson-blossom, I did, one day,-- An' I ist grabbed it -- an' nen let go-- An' "Ooh-ooh! Honey! I told ye so!" Says The Raggedy Man; an' he ist run An' pullt out the stinger, an' don't laugh none, An' says: "They has be'n folks, I guess, 'At thought I wuz prejudust, more or less, -- Yit I still muntain 'at a Bumblebee Wears out his welcome too quick fer me!"
The Egyptians found the Ibis sacred. This must have made the Ibis elated. I watched one try to push a Heron around; The unimpressed Heron just stood its ground.
Under the trees, among the rocks, a thatched hut: verses and sacred commentaries live there together. I'll burn the books I carry in my bag, but how can I forget the verses written in my gut?
Translation by Kazuaki Tanahashi and David Schneider in Essential Zen (1994) HarperSanFrancisco.
Thirty-year-old man buys same-aged tortoise; Middle-aged tortoise: owner has rigor mortis. In retrospect, it was a stupid plan; Clearly, the tortoise should have bought the man.
Just listen now to the Ring-Tailed Lemur: It purrs, howls, and squeaks - but ain't no screamer. And they're not the kind to rely on might, But wave smelly tails to have a Stink Fight.
West Lake is beautiful from a small boat. Green water wends its way through the lotus, Sweet grass grows thickly all along the bank, Faint music wafts from unknown points ashore.
When the wind quits, the Lake is glassy smooth; The boat is perfectly still for a beat, Then its movement is betrayed by ripples And startled waterfowls' furious flapping.
Note: The title “Gathering Mulberry Leaves” was used by Xu Yuanchong for his translation. The Chinese title is: 採桑子 (Cǎi Sāngzǐ)
Tiger Riding for Beginners 