The verse

Tall bamboo stands hollow-hearted by the court,Each open joint inclines toward those who come;Let no idle wind carry your word for you—Bend your own green shade, and lend your ear in turn.

Reading

Be hollow-hearted as the bamboo: when others reach toward you, bend down and answer them yourself—do not leave it to the wind. Meet people in sincerity; ask only of your own heart, and divine no further.

The temple keeper adds

A kind sign. The god nodded — small, but real.

[ Draw another at the temple ][ Keep a traffic omamori ]