Awake Here Now

When the song of a cricket

becomes more satisfying

than money and fame

and moonlight

on cherry blossoms

seals your fate

and when a cool breeze

on a warm night

feels almost sexual

and when drinking

a cup of green tea

with full attention

brings peace

incomprehensible

to the prisoners

of blah blah blah

and when the smile

on your partner’s face

sings halleluiah

and when you are grateful

for that magical feeling

of nowhere to go

and nothing to do

but gaze at the heavens

through eyes

older than thought

as you become

silent awareness

beyond form and time

after a lifetime spent

wandering alone

in Bitterroot Desert

pursuing mirages

of happiness

that break your heart

again and again

until your boots

burst into flames

then and only then

will you stop waiting

for a sweet chariot

from the sky to swing low

and carry you Home

because you will know

that you have never been

anywhere else.