The Zen of Discernment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

As we go through life, how much do we discern regarding the nature of our surroundings, and how much do we take for granted?

This poem is a villanelle.

THE ZEN OF DISCERNMENT

Like ghosts, our years pass us,

(the mixed blessings of memory)

as hauntingly beautiful as stars

No lesser regard for science

than Earth Mother’s finer poetry,

like ghosts, our years pass us,

Images of laughter and tears

finest art can only ever but copy,

as hauntingly beautiful as stars

No hopes wing more precious

than family and friends in harmony;

like ghosts our years pass us

Come birdsong to fine old trees,

so joy and pain creating our history,

as hauntingly beautiful as stars

As centuries turn nature’s leaves,

so each human heart creates eternity

like ghosts, our years pass us,

as hauntingly beautiful as stars

Copyright R. N. Taber 2012

[From: Tracking the Torchbearer by R. N. Taber, Assembly Books, 2012]