Without going outside, you may know
the whole world.
Without looking through the window,
you may see the ways of heaven.
The farther you go,
the less you know.
Tao Te Ching 47
The world as seen through the window of the room where I read and wrote. Sixty-four different views, one window.
Your Poem
The choice of season is up to you,
though winter is best for poetry,
and you can pick any time of dayā
not just my favorites, dawn or late afternoon,
and mention the day of the week, if you like.
What emotion I was feeling at the time
I would leave up to you as well,
buoyant ease in the shadow of mortality
being one of many options, the mixing
of the sugar of joy and the salt of sorrow another.
Whether I was standing, sitting,
or supine, I also place in your hands.
Where we are located is another matter.
Youāre in charge now. Entirely your call.
The choices here can be overwhelming
in a world of at least 10,000 places,
so donāt hurry your selection with this one.
Train windows and rooftops are good.
Or you could pick a beach scene,
a solitary swimmer, arm bent above a wave.
Toss in some shells, whatever you think works.
The pen is in your hand.
Youāre up there in the driverās seat.
Iām not even here anymore.
Iām somewhere else,
leaning against a tree, as it happens.
Itās a Monday around dusk.
Some yellow leaves float down.
Iām 27. A dog stretching at my side.
Water, Water - Billy Collins
One sunrise in sixty-four phases.
Thank you for reading!
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'Eight is More Than a Thousand' is built using Ghost, an open-source writing platform. All contributions go directly to the writer.
Some of the articles on 8ismeerdan1000 are freely accessible. Another section is available only to paying subscribers. By taking out a paid subscription ā which can be for a month or a year ā you help to support the progress of the Eight is More Than a Thousand project!
For those who would like to read all the posts but cannot currently afford to do so, a brief message is all it takes to gain access.
