Tanzan And Ekido Poem by Jürgen Wagner

They wandered down a muddy road
Two monks, so arduous and slowed
Much rain had fallen, mud was deep
So they trudged on, their route to keep

They reached a turning on the way
And saw a woman in great dismay
She sought to cross the muddy lane
But with her kimono, it was in vain

'So come, ' said Tanzan right away
He lifted her with soft allay
And carried her across the street
She thanked him and went on so sleek

Dark silence embraced Ekido's face
As night fell, they reached a temple's grace
Within its walls, he opened his heart:
'We monks, we have to keep us apart

From women, especially when they are fair
So why did you gave her so much care? '
'I left the woman there at the bend
Are y o u still carrying her, my friend? '