The Basic Truth

the balance lost
with one eye missing
the tiger approaches hungrily
i know i am bitten

what road is this?
how did i get so far off course?
sit confused with self
mirror staring
into a still and darkened pond

when did i leave the studied path?
clearly see the far distant thirst
dirt-caked feet
praying to re-learn
the basic truth

a metal fountain
sparkles with yellow falls
exclaiming
end is the beginning
of awareness

humble thankful prayers
on hands and knees
are echoed
to each guiding hand
slowing
the speeding
train

apologies
for too many wrongs
while do and think forsaken
facing responsibility
for cultivation
self unfold
becomes
erroneous behavior

this earthy cover
fragile in every breeze
bears no angel dust realm
but casts to the wind
all defective bamboo
gone are those that matter

with a fluttering flag
tied to nature
forgiveness is asked
because
the blocked
obstructed well
is brimming
with slimy stagnant water

Hsin reveals
one unworthy
but nods
allowing
a metallic silence
of re-learning

avoidance of others
i accept
while seeing reality
with it's deadly
final curve

self-cultivation
is sought on my isle high
in silence i sit
quietly listening
as Hun and Po behold
the wordless vision

the starry dipper
guides this sitting figure
who softly touches the stony path

where once was held
a single raindrop
now contains a stone
with rippling folds

promise
now sits in soft reform
with nothing
much to gain

moon shadows flicker
another chance of hope
to this asking
lowly being

the change is granted
to face of dirt
with a soft caressing breeze
offer held
while lightly touched
reveals this little stone

soft`rain
September 1996

Background by "Asynjur's Web Page Backgrounds"
Picture graphic by Brinsley

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