Any explanation of Zen is beyond language. I have tried to express it here without explaining it -perhaps in things not said. Zen Poet, as the preface states, is basically a true story. I knew Richard when I knew nothing of Zen. Richard knew Zen throughout most of this story. From the letters Richard wrote to me after I moved from Santa Barbara, and from personal experiences and observations, I wrote this story - in the style of abruptness, spontaneity and brevity which were Richard's characteristics. When Richard's letters stopped coming, I was not immediately disturbed. I was surprised that he had ever written.