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The Seedling (Poem)
I walked on the trail and saw
Amongst the usual plants and trees
A small sapling that appeared different.
This thing is not like the other things,
Thought I. But then I said
Stop and look again and see.
I did. Here is what I found:
Like the other growing things,
The little seedling grew from the earth;
The branches reached to the sky;
The wood was brown and the leaves green;
The sun and rain and soil nourished it.
This thing is utterly like the other things.
So with all, if only we look closely
With openness.
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The Gateway (Poem)
I stand at threshold of the path.
The gateway stands before me.
I look once, twice, and yet again.
At first glance, I see a plain simple structure.
Then it appears rich, bejeweled, and ornate.
On third look, it transforms back to an ordinary entrance.
Will I pass through to start the journey?
Yes, and yes, and yes.
All I have to do choose to begin.
One step, one breath, one life at a time.
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Where I Live (Poem)
Where do I take refuge?
If I build my happiness on external factors,
I will lose this. Always.
A futile task, as this brings short-term satisfaction
Which leaves me wondering where to go next.
My home will present problems
So that I move to find a better place. Again and again and again.
I think surely this time I will be content.
But there I am, and I remain the same.
I cannot leave myself behind
Yet I cast my unease as resulting from the wrong circumstances.
I want to stay in the place where I dwell
Without adding to my own suffering.
Just being alive can bring pain enough.
Let me learn wisdom, practice kindness,
Thereby to find peace.
