the grace of your life

Inocente Izucar - LOST PLANET

We start with water and soil.  (a haibun)

            Water and soil, add seed and time. The world can produce what we need to eat, but what can we give to the world in return? Our loving kindness. Our hearts. To tend with care and reverence. 

We put seed in soil
and in time a new life forms–
the universe, so lovely.

James Lee Jobe

Kathy Wronski - PIG

            At the end of this poem, say your name out loud. Close the book, or turn off the screen and re-enter your life, but not the place where you exited. 

            Re-enter your life at the next sunrise. Re-enter your life at the place where you stopped growing. Re-enter your life at the place where you shut down and start up again. 

            Everything that happened, every joy, every sorrow happened because of the grace of your life. This existence belongs to you and no other. No one else commands you. 

            At the end of this poem say your name out loud. You are defined only by the walls you built yourself. Tear them down now and walk away from the rubble. Kick and pull and rage until the walls come down, and re-enter your own life. No one can stop you and no one can start you, friend, this life is yours. Yours.

            At the end of this poem say your name out loud. This poem is over now.

James Lee Jobe

Seamus Haney reads "Digging"

        That I might awaken to the blessing of knowing my own true nature, and that I might be able to use this knowledge to help others and to help the planet. 

James Lee Jobe 

"When the student asked, 'I am very discouraged. What should I do?'
Zen Master Soen Nakagawa replied, 'Encourage others.'"

You can support this blog through a small and welcome donation below. Many thanks.