take to heart
What do you take seriously?
a spring drizzle
petals turn into
a pink ballet
…
for better or worse
others opinions of us
are out of our control
but that doesn’t mean
acknowledging them
is the same as
accepting them
thinking about
Does your history repeat itself?
ink spills
on paper
an avalanche
…
the past and
how our decisions
that led us to
our present state
is simply stalling the future
that will become our present
then once again the past
our teacher
Who or what has shaped you?
sheet music
resting on the ledge
of our last battle
…
is experience
is change
is knowledge
is behavior
is somewhat permanent
and at the same time
sadly fleeting
the final play
What decisions led you here?
buzzer sounds
a lone bee
collecting honey
…
all the things
that led us up
to this moment
in time could have
been different
if we made past choices
that could change our fate
breakthrough
What will you discover today?
bubbling up
a crab scrambles
to the sea
…
we all have to start
from somewhere
whether we draw inspiration
from our surroundings
or free flowing thoughts
our ideas will lead to
our next milestone
crossroads
What decisions impact you the most?
lifting up
then floating down
the rice cooker rings
…
in a second
in a minute
in an hour
in a day
in a week
in a year
we will make difficult decisions
closed on mondays
When do you take breaks?
sushi restaurant
awaiting the delivery
of fresh sakana
…
there are times
when we need
to take a break
from our daily business
hustle and bustle
and that day
is today
in three generations
How long will you be remembered?
white florets
scattering across
the valley
…
will we ceast to exist
in the minds and memories
of our offspring and others
or will the energy
we exhibit today
transcend beyond
our body’s lifetime?
piles and shelves
How do you learn and teach things to others?
open the hood
the car rattles
one last time
…
the material
or matter doesn’t
necessarily change
but instead it is
about how we are
organizing, categorizing,
and presenting things
kinds of risks
How do you deal with risks and rewards?
gloomy afternoon
the fog has yet to lift
over our eyes
…
whether it is actual or perceived
rewards come with risks
running a marathon
raising our hand in class
will we get caught up
on how risky it feels
or focus on the work ahead?
in this hand
What dilemma are you facing?
farmers market
a heron spies on
the fish mongers
…
we have the opportunity
to express ourselves
with freedom and creativity
while on the other hand
we stand a chance
for maximizing
profits and followers
a jar full of marbles
What are you putting in and taking out of your day?
house fans
directing air
dancing for us
…
simply put
there is a finite
amount of them
we can put into
the container
but we get to decide
what to put in and out
hard to believe
What are you having trouble with?
overflowing
the bird bath drips
and drips
…
about four years ago
is when everyone
and everything changed
from history that seemed
to be outside of our control
until we acknowledge
we brought this upon ourselves
marathoners
Who’s path are you setting?
hail!
the path turns
to white
…
while most of us
need to prepare
and train in advance of
the set date and course
there are others
who regularly set
their own path and pace
shake on it
What is your agreement with yourself?
respect
the bee salutes
blooming flowers
…
it takes more
than just having
a seat at the table
to set the terms
on agreements
that impact us
and our community
wireframes
How do you arrange your thoughts and ideas?
green profile
the willow tree
wraps the fence
…
when guiding others
much of the time
we spend thinking
how something will look like
should actually be spent
on what something
should actually do
front row seats
Who’s perspective do you value?
waving flags
the stadium rises
for allegiance
…
back row seats,
booths, and suites
all have us
watching the game
but our view
of it all
is never the same