THE GIFT OF PRESENCE

Even in Kyoto,

hearing the cuckoo’s cry,

I long for Kyoto.

---Basho

No better gift

than ordinary days.

Stop your mind

from flapping like the wind.

Don’t be fooled,

plain wrapping masks magnificence.

A toddler,

wide-eyed at what is seen.

Awake

for each minute

to what is,

stepping stones to the stars.