mission

Make it one’s mission, said the Zen master Ryokan,
To argue, talk too much, or yell at children, thee should ban,

Nor should one speak, with a knowing air,
Or speak ill of others, or while in dispair.

Talk not about people, behind their back,
Nor name-drop, or your own karma, will you sac,

Smiling condescendingly, while others' do speak,
Only shows to the world, that you are yet weak.

-mt