solstice and breaking the mirror

by Genju

Ed: Memorial service for Nanao Sakaki at Upaya Zen Center and memorial service for roshi John Daido Loori at Mt. Tremper.

One more by Nanao Sakaki to meet the Solstice evening:

Break the Mirror

In the morning
After taking cold shower
—–what a mistake—–
I look at the mirror.

There, a funny guy,
Grey hair, white beard, wrinkled skin,
—–what a pity—–
Poor, dirty, old man!
He is not me, absolutely not.

Land and life
Fishing in the ocean
Sleeping in the desert with stars
Building a shelter in the mountains

Farming the ancient way
Singing with coyotes
Singing against nuclear war–
I’ll never be tired of life.

Now I’m seventeen years old,
Very charming young man.
I sit down quietly in lotus position,
Meditating, meditating for nothing.
Suddenly a voice comes to me:

“To stay young,
To save the world,
Break the mirror.”

Thank you for practicing,

Genju


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