That Lives In Us - Rumi

That Lives In Us – Rumi

If you put your hands on this oar with me, they will never harm another, and they will come to find they hold everything you want. If you put your hands on this oar with me, they would no longer lift anything to your mouth that might wound your precious land – that sacred earth…

paradox-Danna-Faulds

Paradox – Danna Faulds

Fear and love seldom stand, shoulder to shoulder; Its rare to laugh and lie in the same breath. But strength and weakness, failure and success, faith and desolation – they are different ends of a single stick. To pick one up is to receive both poles – stark contrasts contribute to a knowledge of the…

zen poem by ryokan

Zen Poem – Ryokan

Like the little stream Making its way Through the mossy crevices I, too, quietly Turn clear and transparent. by Ryokan, translated by John Stevens   Sitting by this little babbling stream in my mind’s eye takes me back to times when I used to cycle out of Glasgow and into the countryside, stopping and sitting…

Mask - Dr Parween Pazhwak

Mask – Dr Parween Pazhwak

Don’t give me consolation I’m ashamed of my tears Go without looking at me I don’t want you to find me weak Go And give me the opportunity To carve for my cheek A mask of stone To hide and seek.  by Dr Parween Pazhwak (Afghanistan)   I recognise this feeling of exposed vulnerability and…