Stripped free of flesh and hide,
All that remains is the core of truth*.
Han-shan, AKA Cold Mountain. *see comments

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.

I’ve added another photograph to this posting. If you love dogs take a look, if you don’t I wouldn’t!