Peace and co-existence

Hello friends, the lessons we learn from animals are often simple instructions on co-existence. Here I was silently surrounded by curious and hungry geese who wondered if I could spare a bite to eat. Like St. Francis’ traveling brotherhood or Buddhism’s mendicant monks, the geese moved on to other possibilities without bitterness or grumbling. So much of mankind is loud and angry when disapponted, unaware that opportunity is everywhere and that peace often comes from seeking it in ourselves, not demanding or insisting that others comply. Best, Gene.

 

Assisi’s Goose (2008)

Reading Yeats under a California oak
on the shore of Lake Merritt,
I did not hear their silent tread
until the geese hemmed me round.

Near my knee one chortled for all,
as I leaned near: was the question about
chocolate chip and nectarine just eaten
or about the poet’s longing unfulfilled?

“Too much passion, not enough peace,”
the bird mumbled – clearly a Tao master reborn.
“Too late we arrived for a cookie share,
but see how kindly we nod and kindly leave.
No tanks by day, no bombs by night,
no slaughtered children, no women raped.”

Ignatius knew this, but not enough,
as he sent soldiers of spirit to coax and convert,

driven by zeal for paradise
and the unclear will of God.

Assisi’s goose senses it better
as he passes unheeded
on soft webbed feet.