Ripples ‘Round the Lotus Flower

for Richard

We are
a level plain –
calm pond of water:
a sense of subtle gain
accrues. I sit with you:
your views are habitable.
There is no strain –

except what comes, light,
in refrain: our noticing,
and noticing, the gentlest
ripples ‘round
the lotus flower
that might as well be us
and ours when we convene.

I twiddle fingers
in-between
and sing and hum a bit:
you tell me stories
that go on a bit: breaths
abate and swell.
All is well.

.