Living Zen Life

When old hermits of China
abandoned monastery life
heading up to the hills
they took time with them
then forgot all about it
...days last forever...
...years are all the same...
measuring time at all
was a task for seasons or the moon.
Alas! Our times are not the same.

A wise friend suggested six months  
as gift a thing to open
I've accepted it
not knowing what will be inside. 

Following Carol's death 
common wisdom and persons told me 
take time a year or more
no need to rush no big decisions
you've suffered a loss
you must grieve mourn.
A year seemed arbitrary to me
the arbiters of time did not know me
I thought I knew what I needed
that I was different.

Yet ignoring wisdom is not wisdom
it may as well be arrogance ignorance 
in my case a little of both.

Still, six months is also arbitrary
time pulled off the top of her head
no matter 
I see now how I let wisdom pass me by
ever merciful she has come to me again
I've another chance 
to still wait listen.

I will heed my friend
six months
end of October
sesshin at Upaya
skillful means indeed.