The Pine Gate

This poem is inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's story about the warrior and the pine gate.


Dear old pine gate
Please let me come inside
I have slayed all my demons
and traveled far and wide
I want to return home
and sit by my master’s side

Dear old warrior
To enter through my door
you must have a pure intention
and stop running after more
delusion, greed and hatred
can pervert you at your core

Oh petty pine gate
Why don’t you open for me?
So hard have i fought
for all beings to be free
Why do you hold me back
from celebrating victory?

Oh hard-headed warrior
I cannot let you in
Go sit by the river
Did you really win?
Take out your looking glass
Do you see virtue or sin?

Oh pitiless pine gate
Am i at the gate of heaven
or the gate of hell?
I don’t know where I’m headed
Please can you tell
Was I really so glorious
Or did my soul I sell?

Oh weary warrior
You have nothing left to hide
Where else for you to go
then to look deep inside
Did you really slay your demons
or was your demon pride? 

 
 

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