Verse: Two small poems

Both are inspired by Zen koans...

I
Some say hope
is difficult
like trying
to part the ocean
with a spoon

Some say hope
is effortless
like the sight
of crocus blooms
at the first sign
of spring

But what if
hope is
neither difficult
nor effortless
rather like rest
after a long journey
a glass of water
to quench the pangs
of thirst

II
the way of tea
is not so hard
to define
and not unlike
the maturation
of the mind
after experiencing
the shock of
the boiling water
it steeps
and its wonderful
essence is, at last
released