“It is possible at last for Masa and me to imagine a little of what the ancient – archaic — mind and life of Japan were. And to see what could be restored to the life today. A lot of it is simply in being aware of clouds and wind.”
– Gary Snyder, final lines of Earth House Hold
Those of us in Ann Arbor had the profound pleasure of hearing Gary Snyder read a few days ago — Keith had the double pleasure and privilege of introducing him to the audience. I did a small sketch of Gary in my journal as he read, and wrote down on the same page these sentences from his talk:
“We are all apprenticed to the same teacher — reality.”
“I’ve kept up this exercise of deep unlearning.”
“There is no substitute for presence.”
“Wild refers to an intrinsic order, not craziness.”
“Doing something well — especially in the arts — is its own reward.”
After the reading there was a reception. I had the great good fortune to have a few minutes — basically alone, as others hit the food and drink — to speak with Gary. He signed and dated my journal page! An instant treasure. He had a remarkably approachable, kind presence.
Steve — Lucky you! That’s a memory — and a journal page — you can carry with you always.