Back \ Shifting The Year Uphill

Alan: Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, “Every moment, wonderful moment.”  Easier to accept at some times than others, but well worth the practice.

Back

Until my back gives, I am immortal.

On my knees, I inspect my future home.

Rising, I am suddenly old.

Hobbling inside to lie down, I become a foundling.

So I recall that each moment holds birth and death,

and that both are framed in suffering.

You bring me tea, and I, grateful simply for kindness,

forget all wisdom, or why it was ever needed.

Nancy: If a poet can’t move the earth on its axis – who can?

Shifting The Year Uphill

so spare

the bay skimmed with ice

the apple tree empty

one small hawk haunting

the still air

and all the grey weight of

   the world notwithstanding

I brace my arms

my back, my long bones

on a shaft of light

and push