Life is frittered away in details. Simplify! Simplify! Henry David Thoreau

I'm erecting a barrier of simplicity between myself and the world. Andre Gide

Some short poems on simplicity ...

South of my house and north - all spring there is water.
Day after day I watch flocks of gulls return.
Fallen petals on my path are never swept for guests,
And only now is the thatched gate opened - for you.
Food so far from market must be simple;
The wine in this poor house is home brewed.
If you are willing, we'll drink with my old neighbour.
Let me call across the fence before we drain the last cup.
- Du Fu

Without desire everything is sufficient.
With seeking, myriad things are impoverished.
Plain vegetables can soothe hunger.
A patched robe is enough to cover this bent old body.
Alone I hike with a deer.
Cheerfully I sing with village children.
The stream under the cliff cleanses my ears.
The pine on the mountain top fits my heart.
- Ryokan

Grave upon grave buried beneath weeds
before their funeral they carried gold seals
but desire is no match for detachment
ambition can’t compete with restraint
lured by bait fish end up in kettles
uncaged a bird flies high
worldly affairs don’t concern a hermit
I weave my robe from homegrown hemp
- Stonehouse, 3