angry, tattooed monk

photograph. 22 july 2020

dove in flight at sunset over a ficus canopy

powerlines, alfalfa field, irrigation canal, farm access road

video screenshot of lake reflection

as practice deepens, we fade away.

reykjavik city reflected in lake

fern-filled window

only when you accept that one day you will die, can you start living.

close-up of opening sunflower's face

birds in flight at sunrise over desert

a hut at the edge of a forest. it had no door and was dark on the inside.

i stepped into the hut to get out of the elements.

inside, i sat down on the floor, the entrance on my right.

something in the corner to my left had a halo glow. a staff with a three-pronged headpiece moved in the illuminated shadow.

it asked what dirt i brought inside.

“arrogance and impatience,” i answered.

the clangor of bells and gongs filled the space.

something hot yet cold touched my forehead.

it said if i kept walking the dirt would wash away, that anger was water.