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

if I could tell you, would you wish to know

if I could ask, would you be wise to answer

there is space where we can sit

where a moment becomes infinite

each breath the only one we ever breathe

we release our demands that we define all

we relax into being alive

grounded like a mountain, spacious as open sky

here is what I know

why I will not turn away from you

however your regard

each encounter is a precious thing

I will never know my own countenance

but I can see your face and you mine

what a gift indeed