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Spacious Mind (Poem)
What is the beginning of wisdom?
Simply this. To say
I do not know.
Nothing more. This hard thing.
A sentence to utter often.
Practice articulating these words.
In solitude at first if need be, for familiarization.
One brief declaration, then stop.
Listen to what follows.
Open mind. Open heart.
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Winter House (Poem)
I am come late to build my dwelling.
It proceeds slowly, hampered by age and infirmity.
Lest I get discouraged by this,
I keep in mind that my life antecedent
Has all been preparation.
I now have more skillful means to construct a proper residence
With patience, foresight, and expertise.
The foundation has been laid through prior experience;
The design has been shaped by acquired knowledge;
The materials have been gathered with painstaking care.
I know that I might not live to see the completion,
But that is not the point.
If need be, those who follow can finish;
Whatever I manage to construct will be beautiful and sturdy.
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Patience On The Path (Poem)
Thank you for teaching me patience amidst urgency.
Yes, my time here in this body is precious and brief,
And I wish to do as much good as possible for both myself and others.
But I can relax into this path
By realizing that my limitations are many and varied.
I am a traveler like everyone,
And my supplies and journey are affected by myriad different things.
The way can seem daunting, with unexpected detours and deterrents.
My progress speeds and slows and sometimes halts for awhile,
For I am not commencing alone in a void.
I continue step by step with a steady mind and open heart,
With the knowledge that eventually I will reach my destination.
While I travel, I experience pleasures and griefs on the way,
With appreciation that they are temporary and ever-changing.
Remember always that scenery is only scenery
And continue to walk.
