Half a world away, I walk a narrow, stone path. In the rice fields, the Balinese people

Walking on the beach of long ago, the constant roll of the gulf, it’s sound, like a lullaby.

Autumn wind Brings scattered leaves, Splattered, With red and gold. Autumn wind

My spirit communes with the four directions: To the north are in-laws, our aging mother, her last

Twilight slides in quietly as birds fly to warm nests. Pink hues of evening reflect in the clouds. Soon the moon

Leaves falling, Another season Decorating the earth. One red leaf In my path,

Easing down the gravel road, yellow leaves spiral across, like a welcome

Orange full moon with a half smile, a hanging lantern, lighting the way, through dark streets,

The buck in the garden Chewing up hard earned Labor, His antlers raise, His ears perk up, as

Walking on the edge, Between awareness and sleep. Sometimes... I’m in the moment, I feel my body,

When I sit And watch The in and out Of breath, Thoughts no longer

Red cardinal dancing On white snow, How regal you appear With your cloak of red, How it cheers my heart

Memories of my childhood Visit more and more Each day, As ghosts of past relatives Cast their shadows,

Beneath the bustling, hustling mind, deep inside, there is an oasis of calm.

When you are not here An empty heart full of fear Arises and wonders If I will see you again. What will I do without