things to do
What do you need to do today?
leaves and pine nuts
around the maple tree
squirrels celebrate
…
there will
always be
something to do
and if we do it
there will
always be
the next thing to do
practical is magical
What do you still do by hand?
the puppet turns
along the road
with no strings
…
sometimes
doing things
by hand
even if it’s moving
an object by a hair
can make something
become magical
for when in doubt
Where do you put your trust?
flint and stone
the fire awakens
to cold fingertips
…
take time
or ask someone else
to double or even triple check
as our concept
and willingness to trust
what we see, speak,
and hear about online
is at a tipping point
picture this
What symbols do you use daily?
umbrellas open
a warning before
the storm arrives
…
while we could
write it down
or even speak
things out loud
a picture or symbol
can communicate
what we’re trying to tell others
wired differently
What are you content with?
the shift ends
time to take off
gardening gloves
…
just knowing
what we are fulfilled with
how we are fulfilled
why we are fulfilled
is knowledge
that should not be
forgotten or misplaced
out of power
What do you do when the powers out?
a little rain
a little leaves
hit our windows
…
the benefit
of having no power
gives us a chance
to take a walk, breathe,
and separate ourselves
from the very screens
that hold our attention
let it sink in
Are you giving your dreams time?
the storm
never bothered
the monkey again
…
our days will come
and eventually go
but knowing this
is the very reason
we should be doing
what we dream of
without fear or regret
leave messages
What message have you left for others?
letting out
a sigh after
a long day’s work
…
at the tone
seems pretty clear
and yet while
we may have the time
to say something
we may not know exactly
what we’re trying to say
a cheat sheet
What experience must be lived through for you?
traveling to
the forest park
to see a giant
…
may have
all the bullets
and takeaways
for us to keep in mind
but nothing can
ever replace
lived experience
dirty dishes
When do you clean?
move aside
the leftovers placed
into containers
…
may not have
started this way
but it is up to us
to soak, scrub, rinse
and dry them
for tomorrow will always
need clean plates
talk to ourselves
When do you listen to yourself?
whoosh
the leaves carry
mother’s warning
…
whether it’s
speaking in our heads
or even
speaking out loud
we must always
be able to find
the time and space
to listen to ourselves
swing and miss
Did you take action today?
sunday night
the umpire calls
for one more play
…
or we could
swing and hit
the chances
we hit a home run
will only happen
if we are willing
to take some swings
either way
How did you choose what to do today?
opening
the freeway lights
lead us to snow
…
we can only
do so much
in the day
and yet the point
of it all isn’t to do everything
but know what’s our one thing
we want to do
notice this
Do you like to stand out or be part of the crowd?
silence
only to be heard
after rainfall
…
in every
moment of silence
there will always be
those who keep the peace
and those who seek
to be heard
and remembered
the tree in the yard
Do you care for your surroundings?
mid-autumn ring
the sound of leaf blowers
fill the street
…
over time
knows how much
care and attention
we place in
making an effort
in keeping it
and the yard alive
in our cart
What’s in your shopping cart?
discount sticker
a loaf of sour dough
rests on the shelf
…
we all know
what we put into it
and what we consume
but often times
we have trouble knowing
or figuring out what’s in other’s
other than that they have a cart
left under the couch
What have you lost recently?
dusty
newspapers
seen better days
…
sometimes
misplacing things
is not our fault
but in fact
a simple act of something
that slips between the cracks
and falls to the floor
highlighter
What tools do you use for help?
looking for mounds
the matsutake remain
hidden from sight
…
when in search
for finding answers
to our questions
it always helps
to have a quick tool
or tip that guides us
to where we want to go