A kumquat

I had a long day. Exact 12 hours working with a lot of numbers and thoughts. I came back home at 10pm and too exhausted. However instead of going to sleep, I really wanted to draw a tree and listen to a song from Plum village. I'm glad I did.

Few days ago, I found a poem of Gu Cheng. The last paragraphs are too beautiful:

We walk so far

To look for a lantern

You say,

It is just by the sea

Beautiful as the kumquat

All those children who love it

Will grow up in the morning

We walk so far

To look for a lantern

I really want to draw a kumquat. That thought came to my mind since the New year Eve when my dad talked about his decision to not buy one like other families. He reminded himself about the year my grandpa passed away. That year, he bought a kumquat. Then 20 years later, another grandpa also passed away. He had bought a kumquat again. There is a relation between a tree and the upcoming death. I have never realized that he could be so sensitive about a tree like that. Or maybe about death. Both of us are growing old. My dad and I. 

I don't know who you are, but if you are reading these words, listen to this beautiful song with me.

https://soundcloud.com/user-775874311/alone-again

just your pity, just your love

invincible limitless

hatred will never let you face the beast in man

and one day when you face this beast alone

your courage intact, your eyes kind

out of your smile will bloom a flower

and those who love you will behold you

across ten thousand worlds of dying of dying and birth

...

and know that everything will be alright. Someday. Somehow.