Two Dhatus, Two Tools (Poem)

when the world seems too much with me

and concerns weigh heavier than the rain-dark clouds

so that I walk unaware with lowered heart

hostage to the wild maraud of desires and distractions

overwhelmed by the thunderous din of undisciplined mind

I know that I have forgotten the simple tools at hand

one being to stop where I am and open my eyes

do nothing but see what there is to see

today I stood in a rain of leaves blowing from nearby trees

color fell around me in bright yellow, red, and gold

the wonder of it all so much more than enough

I remembered then to breathe

another being to pause and listen without expectation

do nothing but hear what sounds occur

one evening at just the right moment (every moment)

I found myself surrounded by nightsong

the whirr and click of crickets and the throated croak of frogs

the immediacy of these calls such an anchor

I knew the present to be home