A monk went to meet with his master
And wondered what the sage would say.
"Master," he said, "I'm disappointed;
Today hasn't been my day.

"My mind is very distracted; it's like
A monkey jumping from limb to limb.
My legs ache; my eyelids are heavy;
I fall asleep when the lights are dim.

"Whatever I'm doing doesn't seem right.
I seem to be floundering in a morass."
The master quietly gazed at the student
And calmly said, "It will pass."

A month later the monk returned
To meet with his master once again.
"Master," he cried excitedly,
"I think I've grasped the meaning of Zen!

"Today my meditation was perfect.
I feel so calm; I feel such peace.
My mind is clear, focused and centered--
The way it should be when all thoughts cease.

"It's just like a…I don't know…
A calm lake as smooth as glass."
The master looked at the monk and said
Matter-of-factly, "It will pass."

-by Bob B (6-1-17)

°A Zen story retold in verse