ONE POEM

1. Notebook*

That treasure trove you carry around with you

that notebook, where you record 

your precious thoughts and ideas

close it, secure it 

with its worn rubber band 

and throw it like a Frisbee

deep into the chaparral.

In other words…Stop doing 

what’s most familiar.

Put down all your best thinking.

Instead, sit somewhere and stare 

at the shadows of leaves.

Get to know the tree this way.

Get to know yourself, this way.

2. Bricklayer

Burn the house down.

Now, demolish 

the foundation. Fire 

your last bricklayer.

Return to clay and water.

Begin there. 

Build from this place. 

From clay and water.

Contract 

with them.

*Inspired by Carlos Castaneda’s, Journey to Ixtlan