January 14, 2025

Where do you find you solace?
What comforts you in your old age?
What is your consolation?
Where do you go for peace and serenity?

"Rocking my soul in The bosom of Abraham" 
just doesn't do it for me.

The Buddhists seem to take comfort
in "peaceful abiding, here, now,"
which would be fine if it weren't for the
high level of denial required to ignore
the injustices, anguish and agony
found in the sources
of pain and suffering in everyday life.

Peaceful abiding is denial full bore.
Merely another addiction to go with
Drugs, Alcohol, Sex and Money
to take our mind off the heavy doses
of reality that jolt our world
throughout each day.

Solace and consolation are hard to come by.
Writing keeps me afloat,
and slow strolls through the natural world,
weather permitting,
"Where the Wild Things Are."

Having lunch in our favorite food outlet,
with our children, grandchildren and
great grandchildren is another balancing place
helping to maintain flow and harmony.

Emptiness, stillness and silence remain
the adamantine foundation
for facing what is to be faced day in and day out.

I trust that you have found what it takes 
to take what comes in a regular way.
Solace and comfort are crucial,
and we must return to their consolations repeatedly
in order to remain upright through time.