Four Poems of Introspection

Four different poems from this Chinese poetry form.

http://www.101zenstories.com/index.php?story=88

VERSION 2
(Corrected versions)


REDEMPTION

They gather in small groups, comparing their woes,
seeking solace and forgiveness in their errors of judgment.
I saw some people from the rehab unit smoking cigarettes on the sidewalk.
Where do the rest of us go to find redemption?


STILLNESS

Ideas play ping pong between deafened ears.
Conversations are held without listeners.
It is silent and the trees are still just after a storm.
If only the trees could teach my mind about stillness.


ENVY

Papers, bosses, clients, and phones
tug me in every direction.
Today, I heard a toddler in a grocery store shout "No!".
My heart was full of envy.


DETERMINATION

Nothing is expected from poor and troubled souls.
Eager minds are dulled to fit the status quo.
A yellow flower peeks through stones in a desert.
Nothing on this Earth can hold down that which is determined.

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Original versions below-not corrected.

REDEMPTION

Faults, like scarlet flags, are waved
While they commune over regrets and mistakes
Those in rehab gather on the front porch smoking cigarettes
Where do the rest of us go to find redemption.


STILLNESS

Monologues short an audience
Conversations without a listener
It is silent and still just after a storm
If only my mind knew that stillness


ENVY

Papers, bosses, clients, and phones
Tugged me in every direction.
Today, I heard a toddler in a grocery store shout "No".
My heart was full of envy


DETERMINATION

Dismissed by negative thinkers
Restricted by narrow minds
A yellow flower peeks through stones in a desert
Nothing on this Earth can hold down that which is determined
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