Observations placeholder

 Ah me, why did they build my house by the road to the market
   town?
They moor their laden boats near my trees.
They come and go and wander at their will.
I sit and watch them; my time wears on.
Turn them away I cannot.  And thus my days pass by.

 Night and day their steps sound by my door.
Vainly I cry, "I do not know you."
Some of them are known to my fingers, some to my nostrils, the
   blood in my veins seems to know them, and some are known to my
   dreams.
Turn them away I cannot.  I call them and say, "Come to my house
   whoever chooses.  Yes, come."

 In the morning the bell rings in the temple.
They come with their baskets in their hands.
Their feet are rosy red.  The early light of dawn is on their
   faces.
Turn them away I cannot.  I call them and I say, "Come to my
   garden to gather flowers.  Come hither."

 In the mid-day the gong sounds at the palace gate.
I know not why they leave their work and linger near my hedge.
The flowers in their hair are pale and faded; the notes are
   languid in their flutes.
Turn them away I cannot.  I call them and say, "The shade is cool
   under my trees.  Come, friends."

 At night the crickets chirp in the woods.
Who is it that comes slowly to my door and gently knocks?
I vaguely see the face, not a word is spoken, the stillness of
   the sky is all around.
Turn away my silent guest I cannot.  I look at the face through
   the dark, and hours of dreams pass by.