​
​Another day arrives in late winter.
It seems that everything
has led to this moment.
So, trampling the streets
and turning corners.
I’d better open my eyes
and look around me.
To see the dragons
teeth and soft wings.
That will surely
come my way.
Then, at the end.
I will have something
to show for this day.

Silent scissors
with moments on tap.
The radio plays
Chinese pop music.
I come to the conclusion
that no haircut is identical.
Each one a new path.
Like the first taste of spring
​

Some rush around
waving this and that.
Measuring others,
but never themselves.
From time to time
they dance and
crack the whip.
I think the hardest
thing for them
is to address the fog.
Others, find a way
to switch their practice.
They find an ocean-born
sun, and lift up their eyes.
To see it rising form
mountains of jade.

I never trusted the deeds
or words of the show ponies.
Full of paper curtains and
unable to get to the
end of anything.
I prefer to look within myself
until a solution comes,
it always comes.
What is present
decides my living.
Too many thoughts
occur in vain.
So, I don’t look too far past
the sun setting and
the moon shining.

It began this morning, at 6:10am.
And in the dark finished at 7:30pm.
No layoff, or rest from
this tour of duty.
Not even time for midday coffee
and a down-at-heels city poem.
I kept telling myself,
five more and five more.
And everything will turn invisible.
But a lifelong practice of
doing the best I can.
And students and
examinations asking for more
I waved myself back
and started all over again.

​

Bad luck and suffering come.
It is inevitable.
So, I turn my eyes from this.
Relishing the scent of life
that is all around me.
Moment by moment.
This quickens my heart,
and excites my northern blood.
Bringing more of life’s very essence.
Which is such a creative force.

​
​A smile, a hello,
​a human soul.
​And for a while,
​the struggle ceases.
​Compassion and gratitude
​melts the frustration,
​and sometimes the pain.
​Then, a life can renew again.
​And we can live out
​our gifts, one more time .

A morning cup of coffee.
And writing in my journal,
I thought to myself.
There is not much
time in this passing life.
How sad to waste a single moment.
I closed my eyes and took
a few deep breaths.
For a moment or two. I was
blind and deaf to the
news of the world.
Only a focus on looking
for mind on mind.
And the best I could do today.

It was day 1 of my student’s exams.
An early start and a late finish.
No time to say hello
to the clouds on the ridge.
Or drink that second
morning cup of coffee.
I’m not like some who
chase food and clothes.
Running round and around
and claiming they
are busy all their lives.
So, I pulled myself
through with effort.
Effort, and support from
some Chinese ladies who
keep on aiming high.
Back in my apartment,
cup of coffee in hand.
I said to myself
‘Until the day it all comes apart’.
This is the way.
​

The urgent fireworks have faded.
A brand-new year.
But nothing changes.
I still have space around me,
words to write and coffee to drink.
My students start their
exams tomorrow,
and a soul’s vocation
will come to an end.
There are a million places
still left for me to visit.
There is a woman I call a friend.
And a life to be lived
all over my skin.
So, ringing and singing in another
year of love, truth and right.
I am grateful for all these
treasures, on this New Year’s Day.

​