Mountain Standard Time

One hour up the trail
I would’ve whooped for joy
If I’d had the energy

Kinhin up a mountain
Where the balance of each step
Demands
Attention

Where the buzzards glide
You hear the wind in
their wings
Hope they don’t shit in my soup
8 hrs. & 10 miles for 3 gal. of H2O
Just to be on a mountain
Well-
I be exhausted
I be sore
I be happy
to be
Here

–Jean Blucher

Untitled

A tricycle is parked
On the front porch.
A child is sleeping.

–Anthony Hunter

Walking

In the spirit of Kinhin,
I cross the lawn
To get the morning paper,
Grass in my toes.

In the spirit of Kinhin,
I walk across the office
To the printer

Kinhin in the library.
Kinhin in the grocery.
Kinhin along the downtown
sidewalk.
In the parking garage,
To the front door,
To supper,
To bed.

–Mark Peterman

The Place

Brick pathway; rain falling.
I hurry to the doorway.

Mat left outside,
I wipe my shoes.

Wet footprints imprint the carpet.
The difference is in the placement.

Spiritual Journey

Remembering childhood
and the promises.
Hearing…hollow truths.
Later, unprepared
for the message of Zen,
Hearing empty….truths.

Reality

Wet stepping stones; rain falling.
Onward through the entryway.
Footprints press on garden mosses.
A backward glance.
Which is real,
Water inside or outside the gate?

–Ivy Willy