Cheap Thrills
by Barton Stone
received 6-25-06

Chanting the Buddha’s Robe verse by candlelight in the cold dawn zendo,

Remembering our white fire star stuff origin and destiny, sweet intermingling with all our relatives,

Breathing in and out this delicious breath,

Seeing in your total eyes your total willingness to accept my total love,

Being pierced and pinned by a phrase from a Mary Oliver poem,

Dreaming I’m awake and then waking up,

Sitting in silence face to face with my teacher, both of us knowing I am the one who has to say something, and I do,

Sun warming my chest like a personal embrace,

Seeing the fox before she saw me,

Box and lid fitting perfectly,

Scent of lime tree blossoms in the courtyard,