ocean, mountains
sagebrush, sandhills
all behind me now
surrounded by
flat midwest farmland
dramatic western landscape
a memory of last few weeks

so too, people of last few weeks
memories as dramatic as
Pacific waves, snow covered peaks
prominent buttes rising from flatland

when I return once again
landscape will still be there
will people still be there, too

DAILY SPONTANEOUS POEM #887 (4/28)
slight moon hangs over western ocean
two friends share intimate talk
there is nothing else beyond this moment
we are all perfect as we are

DAILY SPONTANEOUS POEM #883 (4/24)
Dogen knew
“where every step I take is my home”
this body here now
this mind here now
this spirit here now
there is no other place
other than home


DAILY SPONTANEOUS POEM #878 (4/19)
I sip water
“The Art of Zen”
sits on shelf nearby
I sip water

MICHAEL CZARNECKI founded FootHills Publishing in 1986 and has made his living solely through the creative word since 1994. He lives in the far northwestern region of the Susquehanna Watershed and often goes out on the poetic road across America giving readings and conducting workshops