Reflections on the Stillwater Pond

the stillwater pond

in the stillwater pond i saw reflected a face
not as young as i would have imagined
but not as troubled either.

perhaps the years had not treated me
as badly as i had thought,
or maybe the reflection was wrong,
my vision distorted.

a frog, sharing my concern
(or i, perhaps, his space)
broke the glass of my mirror.
his sudden leap into the pond startled me
and sent me smiling on my way.

4/21/1991

live each day

to unlock it special mysteries,

keeping your mind open and free.

walk the lesser-traveled paths

seeking not so much the great revelations

as the simple truths.

enslave not your heart

to one love or philosophy.

rather, keep it as free as the wind,

and touch each leaf's perfection.

11/6/1973

the untouched earth

the flower's bloom is bursting forth,

the grass is long and bending.

drinking life from the burning sun

in a cycle, never ending.

the crystal lake's reflective blue

mirrors the cloudless sky,

as shadows fall from lofty pines

and a swan that passes by.

and i will dream and watch this scene,

enjoying life's full worth,

while reaching out with trembling hand

to touch the untouched earth.

4/27/1974