To rest in uncertainty, we come to hold ourselves for who we are, as the land holds each blade of grass, each tree and fallen limb. With this last item we realize that it is natural to fall, to forgive and forget, and allow a new stem to sprout. And on this great land, we too know that there is room for the animals to roam, for the deer to be guided from stream to stream, as if they have lost their way: 麇鹿遊乘興杳然迷出處對君疑是泛虛舟。 As if they have lost their way, and the way back forgotten – I become like you, an empty boat, floating, adrift.
Written on the Wall at Chang’s Hermitage 題張氏隱居二首
(Ink/Calligraphy, 18”x24”)
This piece is a poem of the sage poet Du Fu 杜甫 (712AD-770AD) of the Tang Dynasty. The paper is handmade from bamboo, and the writing reads top to bottom, right to left. The signature on the left of the piece reads 風乾書 – written by Jonathan Root (風乾).
You have learned to be gentle
As the mountain deer you have tamed.
The way back forgotten, hidden
Away, I become like you,
An empty boat, floating adrift. (Translation by Kenneth Rexroth)
