Joined Mountains

One moutain joins another
immutably stabilized
in the right way
all thoughts rest
in their proper place
Responding to all things
ten thousand mountains are joined
harmonious and peaceful
able to refine the self
and master the mind
as steady as a mountain
how many know the One?
and can think without
changing places
always upright
persistent in the path
faultless
from beginning to finish
complete all task
by no forced effort
by this one attainment alone
both action and stillness
arise from genuine intent
rise up like thunder
as the celestial returns
concentrate and store
energy and spirit
reaching out from within
restore proper balance
of firmness and flexibility

it's hard moving beyond the past
without stepping into the future


No Footprints

mist hangs above hills
above mist hangs stone face of mountains
above mountains face hangs a net of sky -
crack! there are wings and they rip the net!

and the dance flows on
everything flows toward the rim of that
shinning cup

crossed sticks on earth
between crossed sticks - pile of ash
something rises on the wisp of spoke
dogs feet move by fast

and the dance flows on
everything flows toward the rim of that
shinning cup

through these channels/words
i want to touch you
touch you deep down
where you live
not for power but
because I love you
so
love the Lord
and in Him go your way
and I'll be right there with you
leaving
no foot prints when we go
no foot prints when we go
only where we've been, a faint and fading glow...

Bruce Coakburn