I’m in such a hurry
to reach my destination,
that, sometimes, I forget
to smell the flowers
on my path!

Deep in the muddy
swamp of my thoughts,
hidden by briars,
blooms an exquisite,
lotus flower.

It’s perfume calls to me,
“take off your clothes,
dive in and wash away
the dust of the road,
that is not the road!”

Everything I think I know,
conceals the truth!
Only innocence and wonder
have the power to open
my jaded eyes.

And still, I scratch at the dust,
trying to make sense of it all,
instead of lifting my head,
and enjoying the glory
of being alive.

Yes, but! — tomorrow!
Forget it, there is only now.
So, let the perfume fill
my nostrils as I stop,
just where I am.

By the time I’m ready,
the season will have changed,
the lotus wilted
and the swamp —
iced over.

It’s no good crying for
what might have been,
or blaming another
for choices they make,
the lotus is there for all.

Hurry now and let go,
dive in deep, naked,
as on the day of my birth,
does that not feel better,
refreshing?

Oh! and while I’m at it,
Don’t forget to breathe!
That’s all! Having let go
of all judgements, there is
only perfume to inhale.

©️ Tricia Heriz-Smith