That was the problem.
Learning to not want anything.
To accept everything that happens
from birth to death
to live with it
even draw strength from it
without wanting anything.

​

That was the assignment.
Lean the earth, absorb language,
befriend people,
see the literature, the art
study the clouds, drawings of children,
receive the music, watch the dancing,
listen to the poets
climb in high mountains
without wanting anything.

​

It takes years, they say,
often without knowing
the mistakes you will make.
Time will knock the edges off
so you must be ready.
The past cannot be erased
but that hand clasping yours
says everything
learning to love wanting everything
without wanting anything.