have I done anything worth doing

"death you missed me again"
I was thinking this as I peeled myself up
off of the street after the bike crash
both wrists and one elbow twisted and sprained
the other elbow fractured
one knee busted
but not my head and not my spine
the summer sun lit up the green in the oak trees
and across the street some kids played baseball in the park
a lovely day
"I'm counting this one as a win" I said
wiggling my fingers and hands
to see if anything there was broken
it hurt like hell but I laughed a few times
as I slowly pedaled home

-james lee jobe

What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?

Jean Jacques Rousseau

I go to sleep early and wake after midnight, wanting the feel of fresh air. Outside, clouds cover the moon like a child that is hiding a precious toy. Standing there, I consider my life. Have I done anything that was worth doing? I know who I am, but does anyone else know me? An owl nearby seems to agree, asking me, “Who?” “James,” I answer, and turn to go inside.

james lee jobe

When hungry, eat your rice; when tired close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean.

-Linji Yixuan

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