The Truth About Tigers

occasional musings and free verse poetry, approximately

Those Within Reach

In the turmoil of events beyond control
seek equanimity through acceptance,
nurtured by disciplined practice
of present awareness.

Don’t turn blind to suffering,
but embrace reality,
tending to those within reach.

Plant seeds of compassion
and cultivate the garden you can touch,
letting its growth slowly extend
to the neighboring lots of others.

This poem was written in response to Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt #348: This weekend your challenge is to write a poem or a piece of prose in exactly 53 words using the word “Turmoil”.

And inspired by Jack Kornfield’s wonderful writings and dharma talks.

“Tend to the part of the garden you can touch.” – Jack Kornfield

Ep. 149 – Tending the Garden of the World, Tending the Garden of the Heart

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Published by

Nick Allison

Responses

  1. Lia Avatar
    Lia

    How beautiful to make peace out of ‘turmoil’ like this. Wonderful poem Jake!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Jake Wills Avatar
      Jake Wills

      Thanks, Lia! You know what they say, “when life gives you turmoil, make peace with it…”

      Ok, they don’t say that, but maybe they should.

      Like

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      1. Lia Avatar
        Lia

        Haha love it! 👍👌

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Thank you for this poem. It seems like it is a direct answer to my thoughts about the turmoil. I like the simplicity and peace it offers. And at the same time, if everybody takes your advice to heart, there is so much strenghs and unknown possibilities to make lifes and the word a better place.

    Svenja from wlknlr.wolkenleer.com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Jake Wills Avatar
      Jake Wills

      Thank you, Svenja. I appreciate your kind words.

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