Perhaps the legacy left by the author of thi s poem is that he leaves no legacy at all, but that is something, and the world is simply left for others to enjoy as he found it. Through this poem, Ryokan was handing down his legacy. It does not sa y anything directly, but I think Ryokan meant it as a poem for people to think about. In his poem, Ryokan was trying to say what is the essential truth in life. First , the poem is about the transiency of all things.
Blossoms wither, and colo rful leaves eventually fade.
That everything changes is a basic truth for each existence. Second , the poem says that simplicity and ordinariness are the essence of life. Blossoms, cuckoos, and leaves are simple, common, everyday things. So, a simple life is a good life. Third , the poem is saying appreciate the moment.