Not to look to the ground,
but to become the ground,
at times porous and trembling,
but more often than not,
steady, sturdy, nourishing.
Not to count the trees,
but to become a tree,
one among sisters and brothers
speaking quietly underground,
patiently, so patiently,
withstanding the ravages of time.
Not to contemplate the mountain
but to become the mountain,
billowing towers of strength
come from such tumult below,
powerful peaks among the gods,
also where the most fragile flowers
and smallest of creatures can grow.
Not to imagine the nearby river,
but to become the river,
making the most delightful sounds,
never rushing, but inevitably easing
to where it is destined to go.
Not only to build a home,
but to become a home,
a container of stories and harmony,
a vessel for time to pass through,
and to fill with all our necessities,
acceptance, forgiveness, compassion,
and love. With every breath. Love.
but to become the ground,
at times porous and trembling,
but more often than not,
steady, sturdy, nourishing.
Not to count the trees,
but to become a tree,
one among sisters and brothers
speaking quietly underground,
patiently, so patiently,
withstanding the ravages of time.
Not to contemplate the mountain
but to become the mountain,
billowing towers of strength
come from such tumult below,
powerful peaks among the gods,
also where the most fragile flowers
and smallest of creatures can grow.
Not to imagine the nearby river,
but to become the river,
making the most delightful sounds,
never rushing, but inevitably easing
to where it is destined to go.
Not only to build a home,
but to become a home,
a container of stories and harmony,
a vessel for time to pass through,
and to fill with all our necessities,
acceptance, forgiveness, compassion,
and love. With every breath. Love.
Tammy Stone Takahashi [Tammy T. Stone] (20th century) Canada
Source: Buddhist Poetry Review Vol 3 No 1 Spring 2020
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please keep your comments relevant and free from abusive language. Thank you. Note that comments are moderated so it may be a day or two before your comment is posted - irrelevant or abusive comments will not be published.