The Way It Is

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn’t change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can’t get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding.
You don’t ever let go of the thread.







William Stafford
Photo:  Peter Bowers

Thy Will Be Done

What would it be like
to just sit

with no intention,

to give up this idea
that the mind
must be guided
or directed?

What would it be like
to give up the habit
of believing that one
aspect of experience
is more worthy
of attention
than the next?

What would it be like
to simply be
with no desire,
an empty cup
overflowing with
the nectar of
wanting nothing?





John Astin