Finding Home

"An enormous landslide on the way to the Alto Peak Campsite due to heavy rains," our guide said. What must it sound like when the ground gave out? The shifting of the earth, the breaking down after years of holding it all in? A climber bemused, "Yep, we do have a lot of baggage." We thought she was referring to her group's bags and supplies. And then she continued with a grin, "Emotional ones. " She sprained her ankle while descending from Lake Janagdan. Her load was too much for her size and yet she endured it until well, her ankle gave in. What loads do we carry when we march on that trail of no return? Why do we march on that trail of no return? And how much of it is ours to carry or do we need to carry, really? Or, do we take on that path so our baggages may be unpacked? So our former selves may be shed off by dust, mud, rain, mist, fog, sun, meager footholds, thin nylon ropes that burn our palms? Or because physical pain is

Quiet spaces, subtle pauses, a pondering glance, a deep inhale, taking in a cold gust of wind,  listening to bird call,  a paddle  slicing through the liquid blue,  Light on bamboo, Sky on water A silent song Sung on transparent skies  Singing, "All you have to do is close your eyes And be still Be...still."

Signs saying Exit here or Enter there Automatic sensors doors Sliding, swinging People rushing, leaving, running Out of breath Clock running Out, always out No one notices The shadows Its beauty Of light on dark Or maybe they do? But just the dark? Where are you going anyway? What are you doing? What for?  Entry ways Doors sliding Or swinging Go through them Just don't forget To take your heart With you.

Alindanaw, Handanaw, Sandanaw In our vernacular In noonday height Its scurrying flight on grilled fences and nameless greens It placed itself in front of me Waiting somewhat patiently For me to what? Catch it? Shoo it away? Or capture it In an eternal frame? It hovered from leaf to steel And leaf again Until I poised the shutter and clicked away Twice. But it was gone the second time. And I looked at the screen That first single capture simply said it all-- Sometimes in life, You only need one chance Just one, to get it right.