ever opening (beginning my studies)

BEGINNING my studies the first step pleas'd me so much,

The mere fact consciousness, these forms, the power of motion,

The least insect or animal, the senses, eyesight, love,

The first step I say awed me and pleas'd me so much,

I have hardly gone and hardly wish'd to go any farther,

But stop and loiter all the time to sing it in ecstatic songs.


'tis this one first step i adore
and this one, now this
as the stuff of magic swirls all 'round
(with certain impacts to startle awake
when all else fails!)

so tender the innocence, ever opening
ever-blooming mind, arising
permeates all of creation with dream
so vivid, the god's can only hold their bellies
laughing!

how can we but explode in wonder
with each dandelion seed
burst
aloft on breath of
dancing pines and singing wires

and if we, opening, find no bottom
top or sides, we ever open!
and free of deadly reason
ever opening, remain...