Hanging by a mere spider thread
The lone leaf
Dangles and twists in the breeze.
Where did you come from?
How did you get in this predicament?
The leaf no longer cares
As it sways back and forth
Reflecting the light of high noon.
Comments: While hiking a trail leading to a dense bamboo forest, I suddenly spot a leaf suspended in midair. Upon approaching closer, I saw a fine spider thread supporting it. The thread must have been twenty plus feet long and was attached to the branch high above. How the leaf arrived in this predicament, I do not know, but it inspired this poem. Just in case you missed it, the poem speaks to far greater meanings than just a recounting of an observable event.
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At Kahanu Garden Hana, Maui
Palms wave in the brisk wind
....as the occasional coconut
....tumbles to the earth.
As the poet tries to write,
....the incessant wind
....flicks the journal pages.
He stares past the trees
....toward the crashing Pacific
....sensing no rhyme or meter.
He is mesmerized by his surroundings,
....this haunting
....ancient place
....unable to write.
He is at peace.
Comments: One of the goals of this trip was to explore the lesser known activities of Maui. (I am writing a magazine article on the same topic.) This search led me to the garden described in the poem. It is also an ancient archeological site steeped in Hawaiian history. During the ninety plus minutes while there, I only saw four other people. In fact, when I was ready to leave, the gate was shut and bolted. Thankfully, upon closer examination the lock had not been closed. Otherwise, the night would have been long since the garden was a good distance from the next home.
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Tai Chi on Maui Mornings
The wind ceaselessly blows
....over the small escarpment–
....the beach mere feet away.
In the distance whales play,
....showing off for mere mortals.
Here is the chosen spot
....for morning tai chi.
I inhale and exhale,
....flowing with the wind–
....first TCH and then Yang 24.
Few glance
....but most move on
....leaving me in peace.
First days and then weeks flow by
....as I wear a pattern
....in this special grassy place.
Comment: TCH stands for Tai Chi for Health, also known as Tai Chi for Arthritis. Yang 24 is another form requiring more balance kicks. During the seven weeks on Maui we seldom missed our a.m. practice. Please enjoy the Poetical Video that goes with the poem.