Shih Shu China (1660? - 1740?) Timeline Buddhist : Zen / Chan Poems by Shih Shu Books - Links

"Shih-shu" is a term that can be translated as "rock and bark poetry" -- nature poetry that often poked fun at the bustle of city life and city mind. Rather than brushed onto fine paper, shih-shu poems were scratched into pieces of bark, bamboo, or rocks.

In the early 1700s, one poet took the widely used term as a nom de plume, making it difficult to know much about the author... other than through the poems themselves.

Poems by Shih Shu

• against the gently flowing spring morning
• as flowing waters disappear into the mist
• Emptiness is a long story
• mountain sounds carry a chill wisdom
• "nothing to do; nothing to lose"

Recommended Books: Shih Shu

A Drifting Boat: Chinese Zen Poetry	Sunflower Splendor: Three Thousand Years of Chinese Poetry	The Clouds Should Know Me By Now: Buddhist Poet Monks of China

Related Links

The Clouds Should Know Me by Now
http://www.yakrider.com/Resources/excerpts/theclouds.htm
The introduction to the book of the above title, with some background on shih-shu poetry and the poet who took on the term as a nom de plume.

Support the Poetry Chaikhana
Donations to the Poetry Chaikhana in any amount are always welcome. Thank you!	Click here
Click here	A small amount each month makes a big difference. Become a voluntary Subscriber for just $2/mo.
Click here	Help the Poetry Chaikhana reach more people. Become a Supporter for just $10/mo.

---