OUT WITH THE OLD

after Su Shi

Soon we’ll say good riddance to the old year
Like a snake that slithers into its hole.
Its scaly length is almost all hidden
And no one can keep it from going.
Even if we tie its tail in colorful ribbons,
No matter how we try, we fail.
The kids roughhouse to stay up late,
Everyone wide awake with fireworks.
Roosters refuse to call the dawn
And so should all your alarm clocks.
All our candles are wasted away,
All the stars have faded.
This year I fear my time may be up.
Maybe I’ve run out of luck.
Tonight let’s make merry while we can,
While youth still has the upper hand.

Richard Collins lives in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he directs Stone Nest Zen Dojo. His recent poetry appears in Xavier Review, Urthona: Buddhism and the Arts, Think, Paper Dragon, and Shō Poetry Journal, among others. His books include No Fear Zen (2015).