I thought I had known stillness
But not like this

I thought I had known silence
But this was a sacred silence

Dusted off a rock
That lay against the side of the trail
It formed a relaxing chair

I ate my avocado
My popcorn
My apricots
And golden raisins

My headlamp on for a bit
The small moths fluttered in the air

I alone am dull
I alone am confused

I had thought about going to the summit
To see the sunrise

I was too tired
I was at ease
Sitting there

Not desiring
Content to sit
And listen to the Tao Te Ching

My clothes plain
My body a plain earth body

Alone and content
Tao Is Wise Mother

As I walked down the trail
A man with a wooden walking stick walked up

"HI" I said
I thought of my old friend

He has the eternal goodness

I remind myself to be kind in my dealings with others