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Two beggars by Ko Un (1933 - ) Timeline Original Language Korean Buddhist : Zen / Chan Contemporary Two beggars sharing a meal of the food they've been given The new moon shines intensely       / Photo by Mr. Kris /	Themes   Food   Light   Moon     Recommended Books Flowers of a Moment, by Ko Un / Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize Little Pilgrim: A Novel, by Ko Un / Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize Ten Thousand Lives, by Ko Un / Translated by Brother Anthony of Taize The Three Way Tavern: Selected Poems, by Ko Un / Translated by Clare You What?: 108 Zen Poems, by Ko Un
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Commentary by Ivan M. Granger

I find this short poem deeply moving. My first instinct is to say it is filled with compassion, but that's not exactly what this poem is about. Ko Un isn't telling us to see the hunger of these two beggars and to feed them. There is something else going on. He is, instead, calling on us to see not two beggars, but two human beings in communion, expressing their humanity even in their extremity. These two beggars aren't objects of pity; they have become our teachers.

The two are hungry, yet they share the very little they have with one another. They have given us a moment to see a human connection at its most desperate, yet most profound moment.

In that simple act of human communion, something heavenly is recognized. And we, the witnesses, are that much more alive, awakened from our own spiritual lethargy, as a result.

The new moon shines intensely.

Ivan M. Granger's original poetry, stories and commentaries are Copyright © 2002 - 2011 by Ivan M. Granger.
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