it was a purple one that first caught his eye
as we walked through the field—
perhaps some sort of clover,
but i don’t know the name in french.
papa, he showed me,
adding the smallest white daisies
and a few others i don’t recognize—
a tall thin grass, and
even dandelions, too.
they might not last the car ride home,
but they’ve once been collected,
spilling gently over the edge
of the vase he made of his hand.
—
My first post here in more than eighteen months. I think the moments have still been with me. Perhaps I’ve been better at not becoming attached—or perhaps I’ve been neglecting to pay attention.
bussokuseki 
Welcome back! A beautiful poetic – and parental – reflection, as always.
Thanks Tom, I appreciate that. Be well~
Or your focus has just been elsewhere, which is fine…but I’m always very happy to see a post from you. 🙂
I’m not sure where it’s been, but it *is* fine, bluebrightly. And I’m reminded how much the poems nourish me, so I hope there are more coming … Be well!
Hi Todd — such a long time, and so glad that the first words from you are this lovely poem. I have been thinking of you many times, and hope all is well with you.
with love and bows,
*Melissa *
Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi Guiding Teacher, Boundless Way Zen Resident Teacher and Priest, Boundless Way Temple 1030 Pleasant Street Worcester, MA 01602 USA http://www.boundlesswayzen.org, http://www.worcesterzen.org, http://www.melissablacker.com, http://www.fireflyhall.blogspot.com
*”I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” — Joseph Campbell*
Oh! What a wonderful gift and surprise, Melissa! I’ve been determinedly soaking into our life here (poems or no…), but miss you all. Love & deep bows…
“the vase he made of his hand” … A smile greets your gift with words, welcome back.
I was so relieved when that line emerged, brenda — thank you so much for reading and the warm welcome.
nice returning fresh
after restful holidays 🙂
Thank you, smilecalm — nice returning
From Rudbeckia to a hand vase of dandelions and daisies.
From winter to spring.
From rest to birth.
A time to sleep.And a time to wake up.
Thank you for this beautiful poem today–the day before Buddha Purnima
Thank you for reading and taking the time to share, Arti Jain! Be well~
not attached, not noticed – perhaps they’re both the same thing
perhaps, my friend, perhaps — but here either way