46 KANO VO MA UPACCAGA--

KANO VO MA UPACCAGA

Buddhadasa Bhikkhu

Though time flows from eternity to eternity,
Such time happens to be merely one minute,
Just sixty blinks makes us consider quickly,
Forces us to seize the chance to fulfill our lives.

Don’t avoid one’s place or wander aimlessly;
It exists for you to do your appointed duty.
Let it pass carelessly, the river can be wicked,
Nasty tales will bite your heels if you lose out.

Dear Comrade, the period of this single minute,
Don’t waver you have only sixty winks for sure,
A little minute, so tiny, consider and watch,
Boundless joy is truly right there…

Note: There’s a word play on the Thai words for “minute” and “duty” which differ only in tone.

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