Hallway to Nowhere

  • Reflections On Illness (Poem)

    Practice can be difficult.

    Often my body is filled with pain

    Or clouded by fever.

    I realize again

    That compassion and patience

    Must be extended to myself.

    I consider impermanence and the connection of all,

    Grateful for the many kindnesses of others.

    These current conditions will change.

    One breath at a time.

  • Death’s Entrance (Poem)

    I consider the gateway of my death.

    It is always before me, sometimes hidden by distractions.

    There are periods I see it more clearly.

    As of late the details of its appearance become more defined,

    And the door opens widely and freely.

    When will I pass through?

    I, as with other beings, do not know this for certain.

    Each moment brings me closer.

    Let me prepare now.

    I can almost feel the latch swing under my hand

    And hear the rustle of the gravel as my foot starts over the stile.

  • Mala & Tea Cup (Poem)

    I sit with my mala wrapped around my wrist.

    In another room, I drink my tea. There I drop my tea cup.

    As I count the beads, this accident causes my heart to shatter.

    The tea cup remains whole, and I inhale the fragrance and sip.

    The mala falls through the air. I catch it and resume my cadence.

    Each breath repairs my heart. I taste the flavor of the tea and smile.

  • The Connection Of Islands (Poem)

    Lest you say,

    “I am an island unto myself,”

    Remember that an island is so

    Only because of other factors:

    The waters that surround it and the land from which it is formed.

    Should you think,

    “I depend only on myself,”

    Remember that your very birth was a result of others’ interactions.

    We are inextricably connected to all that is;

    No-one nor nothing happens in isolation.

    Consider this and realize therefore

    Care for oneself includes care for all.

  • For Edgard (Poem)

    So much love continues your presence here.

    Our laughter and tears are testament to your being.

    No shadowy ghost that haunts,

    You remain a warm solid comfort for us all.

    Our stories and memories share your light,

    As we move through our days and nights.

    We remember your smile, your kindness, your generous spirit.

    We hold these in our hearts with gratitude

    And give thanks for your existence.

    You live on, beloved friend, and we cherish all that you are.

  • Weight Of Samsara (Poem)

    How to develop a lighter mind,

    Able to easily drift on the winds of change?

    All my attitudes hinder this,

    Causing me to adhere to every sticking point.

    Rather than a clear openness,

    I find the constant film of selfishness.

    Sometimes this momentarily fades,

    Through diligent application of appropriate means.

    My attention waxes and wanes,

    With the result that the tarnish returns.

    Once again I sink under the grimy wash.

    If I could but realize that this be illusion,

    I could float freely as the leaf and cloud.

  • How To Walk (Poem)

    Let me go for a walk. How do I begin?

    By starting from where I am.

    I put one foot in front of the other.

    Over and over and over.

    I alone can do this.

    I cannot ask: Would you move for me?

    (I could, but this is nonsensical.)

    If I want to trek to whatever destination,

    I must commence.

    Now is the only time;

    These steps are the perfect means.

    I embark upon the journey.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.