Exaction: Characteristic of Existence

Here I am
On another errand,
Aching all over
From the weather change,

Then finishing that
Have many chores,
Going down my list
And checking them off,

Now sitting
And reflecting
On my day
And writing this way,

Normal activities
Continue unabated,
Regardless of
The shape I’m in,

Have to keep going,
As no one else to do it,
Keep going through it
Just as it is,

Then pouring hot water
For a refreshing cup
Of green tea
That brings me up,

Preparing me
For more activity,
It’s getting late
But still much to do,

An endless agenda
To look forward to
But at least
I’m still able to do it.

Exacting: Prodigious Effort

The chilly weather persists
And the Fibro-pain and discomfort deepens,
Waking up with unpleasant images
Surging through my head,

Nevertheless trying to find
The right effort
To put it all behind
And settle the jumpy mind,

Set off to shop
At the local farmer’s market,
Despite my misery and malaise
And the cold air enjoyed

But then upon return
Felt exhausted and worn,
Reluctant to go back out
And visit the grocery store

But I needed margarine
And other assorted items
And eventually managed
To push aside the resistance,

Then filled my basket high
With basic necessities,
No frills for this low budget operation
But still my backpack was heavy,

Hefting an impressive load
For one so tired out,
Which made me feel better then
And when remembered afterwards,

Still feeling weak,
I offered encouragement
To the unsteady mind,
Heated up my supper and ate it
And left for work on time.

Evoked: Concentration Rising

Here we go again,
Back to work
But in a happy mood,
Feeling free,

Lightness prevails,
Even in darkness,
Outside it’s gloomy,
Inside it’s cheery,

The clouds have cleared
And there’s a chill in the air
But it’s warm in here
And without any apprehension,

Bewilderment has gone through,
Along with the storm
And quiet prevails
All the way around,

Not minding the wind,
Disregarding the obstacles,
“Putting aside greed
and distress with reference to the world” (SN: 48:10),

I remain focused
And steady,
The mind unshakable,
My concentration unbreakable,

Mindfulness is here too,
Awareness and calm,
Peacefulness and hereness,
Ease and fearlessness,

Imperturbable and present,
Ready for whatever becomes evident,
Wholly immersed
In this.