Living Zen Life

it is a line that came to me
several writings ago -
solitude, caretaker of soul.
The more I live with solitude
experiencing it's healing touch
the more I believe it true.

Not everyone gets this time
long enough time 
to see the fruits.
I have this time now
choosing more, more
than I imaged when I stepped away.

Calm has come to me
I wish it to remain
when I reenter the world.
It is not so long
these six months
considering the long life
behind me
not knowing how long 
ahead.

I will enter summer
in solitude
long warm days and nights.
At summer's end
with family for a time -
Manzanita dunes and tides
to remember with them
their mother grandmother.

Six months end in October 
sesshin at Upaya, Sante Fe. 
It will be well to finish solitude 
one week in silence sitting.