no little snores in the middle of the night
nor any as i read or write

deafening quiet
no sweet breathing to keep me company

no patter of paws
across the floor

or lapping from bowls of water....

no knocking at the door
in the dark of the night

owl and fox
out back, nocturnal delight

you left me so suddenly
can't believe it is really still true

but you sent me a new
little friend to love just like i did you...

she jumped out of the truck
looking, sniffing, exploring, wanting to run

future unknown
past unknown

a free little spirit
now entwined with another

hopped into the back seat
settled in for the ride

to who knows where?

she never looked back....

straying from The Way
disharmony ensues,
confusion arises.

caught in the forms,
spinning ever outward,
deep peace lost.

moving with the forms,
ever distracting.

following deer trails,
far from the roads and paths,
alone, in Silence....

The Way arises again.

it was never lost,
only obscured.

Returning to The Way...
heart settles...
mind stills...
peace prevails.