An open vessel waiting (haibun)

For years she prided herself with reading and watching the news all over the world. Then, 9/11 happened. It felt just too close to home. How could she continue practicing her profession and remaining genuine in her words and in her voice if she was, herself, alarmed at times?

And so she cut out many forms of media only limiting news when she sought it in cyberspace. This way she could make more room for her mind to think rather than be drawn into areas not of her choice.

Television was then cut out altogether and and writing emptied her mind of distracting thoughts until she learned to pray and meditate. Chanting her mantra allowed her to shut out distracting thoughts…travelling more alone…walks in nature alone…allowed her to take those first baby steps into “being”. She felt less alone in her solitude than in crowds of people. Now if only, she could sing as beautifully as those angelic youthful voices in a choir…

©Clr’17-06-22

at the water’s edge
echoes of drumming
the river roars
voice turns to honey
chanting Lokah Samasta

daunting rapids
striking yet unassuming
splashing rocks
humming with every ripple
immersing feet with humility

the mind
lights up at any age
like an old well
clearing waterways
pouring life into the source

©Tournesol’17/06/25

 

 

Written for Carpe Diem Haiku Kai – “The Songs of Milarepa” (3) The Shepherd