I have come so far from Baltimore

The moon and sun are eternal travelers.

Even the years wander on. 

Matsuo Bashō

Doves and sparrows come everyday 

to enjoy the birdseed I scatter for them 

a bird party on my patio 

a sunny day in spring 

light filters down through the trees 

and from the park across the street 

come the sounds of a softball game 

people might think I'm poor 

because I have an old house 

and no money 

but people are silly 

I am so very rich 

that I spend the days laughing 

_____

This old body is so worn out that now my heart is exposed to the world. 

_____

In the distance a dog barks 

over and over again 

yip yip yip yip 

my own dog ignores it 

and rests cuddled on my wife's lap 

such a wise doggo 

_____

Doing laundry and thinking 

I wash the clothes so they will be clean 

when I dirty them again 

around I go in circles 

a silly old man 

washing laughing 

_____

How far can I walk? How long can I sleep? I have come so far from Baltimore, where I began, no wonder I am tired. But still, friend, it's spring and beautiful, warm. 

_____

It's Buddha's birthday 

and my little doggo makes a fart 

that is terrible 

Good Morning

_____

james lee jobe 

THE BAND, Chest Fever

To not take things for granted is the essence of Buddhist spiritual practice.

C. W. Huntington, translator and interpreter of Sanskrit and Tibetan Buddhist literature

Enlightenment: Realizing you're a dipshit & trying not to be as much of a dipshit.

Brad Warner, Soto Zen monk 
 

Thanks for reading today's post here at the poetry zendo. You might consider supporting this blog with a small donation through the Buy Me A Coffee link just below. My mobility issues no longer allow me to work. Many thanks, jlj.