Dayun temple: 4 by Tom Sharp

A child draws water from the well. He handles the bucket with ease, sprinkles water without getting anything wet, and sweeps the courtyard as though it were never dusty. Bright clouds shine on the pavilion; mist blows through high windows. The walk is lined with flowers so that it’s hard to get past them. Outside, the world’s a muddy mess. I should have retired when times were good. Here at the temple I can say what I feel, but outside it seems I’ll need to mind my words. Many obligations have weighed me down, so it’s been good to get some rest here. Maybe I’ve learned, like Master Zan, to keep my composure when dogs nip at my heels.

大云寺赞公房 (四) by 杜甫 (Du Fu)

童儿汲井华，惯捷瓶上手。沾洒不濡地，扫除似无帚。明霞烂复阁，霁雾搴高牖。侧塞被径花，飘飖委墀柳。艰难世事迫，隐遁佳期后。晤语契深心，那能总箝口。奉辞还杖策，暂别终回首。泱泱泥污人，听听国多狗。既未免羁绊，时来憩奔走。近公如白雪，执热烦何有。