Picking & Choosing
For Kotatsu John Bailes
The changing table
at 3am
is the altar where I
offer
the incense
of my ego
First ego death
then the laundry
The incessant car alarm
out front-
no different from
crying infant or
twittering junco
Overgrown alley,
weeds & flowers-
I can’t tell
if I’m too tired or
crowded by beauty
to touch them
In the morning
I take my breath
for a walk,
leashed
to a mantra
watch stormwater pool
at the sewer
Cleansing font
mind waves
Tell me
what’s the difference
between
the squeal of brakes and
the peal
of a bell?
The Great Way
is not difficult
just avoid
picking & choosing
