Mark Foote

the waffle and wonder winter's balm, the solstice stars dual wings, hard to beat

defined to a 't' dropped, like a french consonant rolled, up out of bed

the constipation within, holds the fluid ball the hands but follow

but this matters not except for the fluid ball sustained by his gut

as all things must pass in this instant, from this place I can stand right here

just follow your nose past the post, through the doorway into the abyss

I didn't even notice that the men were peering through at the women; thanks, manitou, for pointing that out. My first take, now that I'm aware of that, is that the women likely understood that the men did this. Why do I think that. In part because in the first ten pages of "Genji", it's clear that the etiquette at the court in Japan was highly prescribed and the social nuance could be extremely fine. There were ways that things were done, for everything, and yet some things of the heart could not be confined to these ways and that was understood too, if not always entirely appreciated. Maybe the men peering through the sheaves was an accepted breach of etiquette; I'm guessing! I read "Diary of a Geisha", a very strange book when you consider it was written by an American who was sued by the woman it was about, Mineko Iwasaki, for breach of contract and defamation (I think I need to read her book, "Geisha- a Life"). Later I learned that Iwasaki and Shintaro Katsu were a number, and about his background as a shamisen artist; I've always been a big fan of the Zatoichi movies. Ok, I digress; the point I was trying to make is that the Japanese have some very strange, very old customs around the passion between men and women; I've had some amazing conversations with casual friends over a few drinks that would seem to reveal there are similar customs around how men and women find their mates in this country, but you would never guess it from Ms. Manners! Am I making sense? Interesting to learn about your background, manitou; ain't it something, the way things are progressing in this country toward "yes means yes", and all that implies about how people find their way to intimacy. Looking through the sheaves will no longer be tolerated, without explicit consent, for sure!

I requested and then checked out "The Tale of Genji" from my local library, after seeing Taomeow's description above. It sat on my files for two weeks, with only the introduction read. Now I'm three or four pages into it, and I'm hooked. Thanks, Taomeow. Even the footnotes are moving: "Ashamed before the Takasago pines, I would not have it known that I still live." (Anonymous, Kokin Rokuo, Zoku Kokka Taikan 33903) The heart of a parent is not darkness, and yet He wanders lost in thoughts upon his child. (Fujiwara Kanesuke, Gosenshu 1103) (below, Tosa Mitsuoka)

yet still I am fat I wonder at my blessings pass the peas... gravy...

ending in repose cancel all my appointments this is just too good

threatens a return Clouseau, and his man Cato last minute cancel

secession session Jefferson state?- the bear flag threatens a return

await rainy day stuff pockets with stones, watch birds California May

to make example we simply crease, fold, and throw maybe hundred yards

missing haiku, after Apeiron and Peiron's: the ionosphere the king, who should stay the rest yet they reap all things and now: just body, mind, soul Jesus said: spirit, mind, soul mind between the two (for more: http://www.zenmudra.com/zenmudra-Gospel-of-Mary-Mesoamerican-sacrum-bone.html)

impregnating life with a wild and crazy heart no telling what's next

Mods- might seem Buddhist but I think you will agree there's plenty here for Bums of all stripes! I just finished a piece on Fuxi's poem; if you're not familiar with it, it goes like this: I could post the whole thing here, but I think it's better if I just give the link to my site; I'm hoping that folks who are interested can maybe comment here. http://www.zenmudra.com/zenmudra-fuxi.html Feedback and suggestions greatly appreciated, of course! Thanks, everybody; Mark

limpid pool of light in the form of a person she seemed so solid

People think it's fine to toe the mark, walk the line some walk in circles

The time is now past, now future, can't be found the place, though- right here

our most primal need to be right where we are, as consciousness takes place

thought she just had one but what do I know- really, she can have them all

"When we let go of our minds and cast aside our views and understandings the Way will be actualized. One sage clarified True Mind (Reality) when he saw peach blossoms and another realized the Way when he heard the sound of tile hitting a bamboo. They attained the way through their bodies. Therefore, when we completely cast aside our thoughts and views and practice shikantaza, we will become intimate with the way… This is why I encourage you to practice zazen wholeheartedly." (“Shobogenzo-zuimonki”, sayings recorded by Koun Ejo, translated by Shohaku Okumura, 2-26, pg 107-108, ©2004 Sotoshu Shumucho)

wa rahmatullah we give thanks for all blessings we are but children

try to see without as within, touching the place rock and roll through space