I sit quietly focused on my practice

but little hands of distraction climb

up the back of my neck.

They carry small bags

of amusing off ramps.

Off ramps of my past,

off ramps to future dreams—

some horrific

some graphically palpable.

Small hands climb to where

the road ends…my mind.

They set up shop there.

Soon a festival of cotton candy

and freak shows—a three ring circus.

Clowns, acrobats, trapeze artists,

magicians, and lion tamers—

all in my mind.

All vanish quickly—

once I realize I have been vandalized.

My focus realigns

my fingers feel my mala beads

my ears again hear my mantra

my mind calms—

as I enter my heart space

where reality waits.

Photo courtesy of Timo.