bardo song
(in appreciation of Pema Chödrön’s teachings)

slugs suck away our vitality
frost freezes upward motion
moles dislodge deep roots
bees create new connections
odorous decay feeds growth
the sky’s tears refresh us
birds sing in celebration

bards recount our victories
describe crushing defeats

we can choose to paddle
or to float though the river’s
bends will not straighten
storms will still buffet us
and the currents continue

oh look see the sunshine
there on the water’s surface

Cinse Bonino
2022