THE BUDDHIST CARER

How did it happen That such beauty was reduced To a paint colour?

Not allowed to shake (tins) To raise funds and awareness. Hard for some not to. Stood still for two hours Passersby dropping in coins...

Saving energy By hanging the washing out Such simple pleasures!

Middle of the night You're off to the pantomime? Clothes are all sorted. Your mobility Is much better in this state In this twilight...

Calm after the storm Time to replenish myself Taking time to be. Time to sit, not plan Relax into nothingness Time to be, not do. Time to...

Where do I feature In all of this? Hard to tell. Whose hand can I hold?

Nothing more to give Straw that breaks the camel's back Running on empty. Can't take that much more Not that far from tipping point...

The disappointments And the constant selflessness. Nothing more to give. Academic known Worldwide and held in esteem? Nah, rein yourself...

Menopausal wife Still has some needs and urges But he has to come first. Seduction, passion Just lie dusty on the shelf Forgotten for...

Sunny in Suffolk But still a breeze in the air Gloves, coats ... and t-shirts.

An hour spent online Enjoying her company Feeling energised Oh, what a tonic! Rejoicing in our merits Recalibration. Image: www.wccftech.com

Retreat is over No longer a retreatant. I'm feeling tender. Higher consciousness - Without even leaving home - For just a few days. Back...

Buying ready meals At the self-service checkout Oh hello, stranger. Not much I can do (to help) But I have always liked you He says,...

Peripheral view Looking from the outside in Sitting on the edge. Real life, in person, Is what other people do. It's passing me by. I'll...

Saw a little boy He reminded me of you. Mindful mum moment.

I was mistaken As it wasn't Manjushri Who appeared just now. But it was the blue, The energy and wisdom, Of Vajrapani. Whose image points...

I don't do it oft' Although I know how it helps My Buddhist practice. It's there on retreat, An integral aspect that I willingly do. If...

I have a new friend Oh beautiful Mamaki who appreciates. She who takes delight in everyone, everything. Seeing through all things. Image...

It takes me a while To settle into retreats. Day three - I'm present. Thinking drops away Labels, concepts, ideas fade State of...

A moment in time Captured on airmail paper. Handwritten letter Eloquent, flowing Energetic, empathic Very much alive. Twenty-six years on...