Two Poems: Quiet Mind; Day Retreat in York March 2015

David Valentine-Hagart

Quiet Mind

When the quiet mind comes
I am moving up steadily
Hold after hold
Rock is under my hands
Under my feet
Sky above
Earth below 

When the quiet mind comes
I am in the midst of music
Note following note
Hands, steel and timber
All one
As each song unfolds 

When the quiet mind comes
I am ocean floating
On a glassy board
Waiting for the only wave
That will carry me
To shore

When the quiet mind comes
I am often in my garden
Tending to my friend
Loving living growing things
Creation
Without end

When we seek this state
We're pursuing that which leaves
No tracks
Looking for a dawn
That never comes
Instead
Just do what's needing to be done
And notice
Simply notice
When your quiet mind comes

Day Retreat in York, March 2015


Sitting in York
The sun breaks through
The clouds
Our shadows suddenly black
Against the warm
Wood floor
Then clouds come
Once more
The shadows fade
And are gone
In that moment
Oneness
Shows itself


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