The rushes daily grow taller;
Apricot blossoms daily more lush.
As an old farmer, I enjoy the view;
Everything I do according to the seasons.
I rise early to feed the cows;
Then yoke a pair to farm in eastern acres.
Earthworms crawl in and out of the ground;
Field crows follow me around,
In flocks they peck and cry,
As if to tell me of their hunger.
My heart is full of compassion
Looking at this, I pity both them and myself.
I give my food to the crows;
At dusk I return with an empty basket.
My family greets me with mocking smiles;
But never would i have changed my mind.
Ch’u Kuag-hsi
6th century
Shoshin Ecological Farming and Gardening 