Pleasure in Absence of Ending (Ensō)
Thoughtful, proposing not end, but process.
In this noon’s grayness I disclose my need.
Which is a lotus floating in your pond, a clutch of zeros
blooming in moonlight. Last night’s missing sleep.
An ending, by definition, concludes.
But what occurs in a circle’s body, or infinity’s border?
Imprecision acknowledged, I sip wine and gauge distance.
Take comfort in the disorderly.
Starting at the top, the brush moves down and right,
clockwise, then rising in opposition, halts.
Drifting, incomplete, I step back.
Some leave a gap; others do not.
* * *
This first appeared in Posit: A Journal of Literature and Art in September 2017.
Interesting to read this poem. I am presently in Japan and I am also fascinated by the same Zen symbol. Thank you for the inspiration. Salvatore.
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There’s much to ponder within that circle (or near circle).
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This: ‘what occurs in a circle’s body’ Again and again I’ll wonder.
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And then you have to wonder what’s going on outside it!
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!!!!!
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“A clutch of zeroes” – what a lovely original idea!
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Thank you, Jenna. I just can’t get away from zero!
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a brilliant piece, my friend. epic.
Peace and Equality and Love and Respect and Justice for All ✌ ✊ 👍
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Thanks very much, Afzal.
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all thanks to you, Robert!
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I love the concepts you present in this one…. pleasure is in the process… it’s all about the journey rather than the destination! So true.. in love and life!
Dwight
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That certainly is my belief and experience, Dwight.
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