commanded by circumstance

to eke out a fallow period

for time being...

so contrary to my ineffable spirit,

this ‘invalid trek' through each day...

however, we can find solace in the mundane,

there is indeed glory in peaceful abiding,

the path of quiescence fulfils a part of us

that struggles not with ambition,

progress or movement,

save to tap into the gentle unfolding

of the hours passing, one into another,

no great fanfare, no surprises...

yet within the moment of no thing much,

lies a tangible sense of belonging,

a vulnerability of the human spirit,

quiet longing for peace of body and mind

that hugs and envelopes each waking moment

like a blanket of overriding comfort...

I cannot express too strongly the love

and yearning that emanates

from this encounter with mortality,

the care and hope arising from the mouths,

pens and softly fashioned scripts

of fellow beings who respond to others'

darker plights with sensitivity, dignity

and compassion...

with bows

amongst the gentlest of movements

I await the heralding of a new epoch..

an age free of pain,

apprehension and foreboding..

still -  quiet as a church mouse,

I gather all into me,

I open -  open to all that there is

at this very moment..

so being, truth ne'er as frightening

as anticipation, I wander freely

amidst the forest of my corporal internment..

agog at imaginings, prey to strange dreams

the trees themselves whisper hauntingly:

"take it as it is, brother, for there

is nothing other than this.."

gradually, imperceptibly

I grow like a cankered root into

full, untrammelled acceptance..

I know there is no thing to fear

‘cept the mind's transference:

little mind falling prey to nuance

and desperation..

and so - thus, I stumble on,

good days, bad days,

long days, longer days..

enmeshed all in wondrous ache

to be released- free from the

illusion of statements that hold no sway

in the eternal view of things,

with bows

ahh capricious providence..

what rhyme and intention therein?

so suddenly as dread malignancy appeared

within my startled and undefended frame,

hath it beat an hasty retreat..

a future - hitherto darkened,

the door closed, a bleak

unfathomable void filled my days..

within a heartbeat has Life been restored unto me -

wonder of wonders!

a prospect of uncharted potential

has seemingly been afforded me;

another chance to live,

to grow, to learn,

 to love..

blessed relief indeed to be granted

absolution from an ignominious

 parting of the ways!

some where within the pain and fear of the last

few months, is a grand lesson of stature,

enabling me to reflect and

extend on what may so easily have been..

another chance to dive deeply

 into each precious moment

and give copious thanks for this

incredible reprieve...

with bows,

to come back to the joy,

serenity and peace of regular

twice - prandial sitting

is indeed a blessing of

magnificent proportion!

once more, to open,

freely, wordlessly, mindfully..

once more to surrender small mind,

to absorb the universal principle:

emptiness of thought;

to merge into the vastness

of dissolution from perspective

and viewpoint..

I thank Life for granting me

this wondrous reprise,

and especially all you loving Sanga,

who, through your compassion and love

afforded me enormous courage and self belief..

I vow to live in harmony with each unfolding

moment in the loving light and bliss of

truth and wisdom,

knowing as I so do now

that this gift of consciousness

is but ephemeral and fleeting..

with bows to you all -

and boundless gratitude

for your warmth

and living beauty..