My previous books have essentially been comprised of concise essays; but why not, as my own life-span shortens, turn to a pithier mode of composition? Therefore, I’ve decided to communicate my wizened, mottled wisdom through the vehicle of poetic reflections.
The vast majority of the 300+ poems will derive from the Zen heritage. You may recall the critique, “stinking of Zen,” a perennial reminder not to take ourselves either piously or earnestly (both of which I’m prone to do). Indeed, Zen practitioners focus modestly upon gradual maturation while eschewing sudden enlightenment.
Hence, I invite you to read this volume in a state of calm, reflective yet with carefreeness, treating space breaks as enjoyable pauses. Perhaps one poetic reflection per day, read out loud, even several times, would prove to be a useful discipline. Sometimes parse every word, sometimes just soak.
This array of poems aspires to be varied, both in gist and timbre: personal yet philosophical, poignant yet playful. May my free-flowing verses stretch your psyche, tickle your fancy, trouble your spirit, thicken your destiny, and strengthen your resolve to live more intentionally and die more gracefully . . . or as my friend says: “May we keep hoeing to the end of the row!”