Stripped free of flesh and hide,
All that remains is the core of truth*.

Han-shan, AKA Cold Mountain. *see comments

The world laughs at its shoddy exterior
And cares nothing for the fine grain of the wood inside.

Han-shan AKA Cold Mountain

The roots have seen the upheavals of hill and valley,
Its leaves have known the changes of wind and frost.

Han-shan, AKA Cold Mountain.

Here is a tree older than the forest itself;
The years of its life defy reckoning.

Han-shan, AKA Cold Mountain.