The Rules of Engaging Grief

I recently journeyed with my son to Whitefish, Montana. There we experienced the grandeur of
Glacier National Park, hiking through patches of snow to view Hidden Lake.

We fished on Flathead Lake, wandered through the Trail of Cedars on our way to Avalanche Lake
canoed on the Whitefish River, cycled along on a former railroad right-of-way for ten miles, and so much more.

The theme of the following poem might not surprise you, a theme I encourage us all to experience daily.

“Lost In Present”

Lost in present
I don’t know
What day is Now.

No measurement
Intrudes, distracts,
Disturbs deep breathes,

Hiking to Logan’s Pass
Along trails of summer snow,
Each step reaches nearer

To temples wind-carved
Amidst rock slag summits,
Attended by nimble mountain

Sheep and goats shaggy
In early summer heat,
Puff clouds drift above

On thermals connected
To expansive blue stretching
Endless to eternity’s reach.

In step, each step, along a way,
No destination deters this journey,
No wonder – lost I am in present.

The following is taken from I Heard God Laughing, a collection of Hafiz’s mystical poetry rendered
by Daniel Ladinsky. Hafiz, a Sufi, was born in Shiraz, in southern Persia, in the 14th century.

I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the Astonishing Light of your own being!

Not long ago, I wrote this poem, reflecting on a cut I inflicted upon myself as I emptied a dishwasher
carelessly late at night!

“Pain”

Pain sits astride
Eternity’s threshold,
Busying us deep
As mantras do.

In pain we detach,
Search deep,
Beyond glint surface
Of future illusion.

Pain creates stillness,
Patience, if we so will,
Where each moment
Cascades upon itself.

Pain invites communion
With those who suffer
Alone, aghast, rejected
In dismal shadows.

Pain soul-scours,
Clears tinsel distraction,
Welcomes in quiet praise
The uninvited Visitor.