Tuesday, July 27, 2010

It was like this

It Was Like This: You Were Happy
It was like this:
you were happy, then you were sad,
then happy again, then not.
It went on.
You were innocent or you were guilty.
Actions were taken, or not.
At times you spoke, at other times you were silent.
Mostly, it seems you were silent -- what could you say?
Now it is almost over.
Like a lover, your life bends down and kisses your life.
It does this not in forgiveness --
between you, there is nothing to forgive --
but with the simple nod of a baker at the moment
he sees the bread is finished with transformation.
Eating, too, is now a thing only for others.
It doesn't matter what they will make of you
or your days: they will be wrong,
they will miss the wrong woman, miss the wrong man,
all the stories they tell will be tales of their own invention.
Your story was this: you were happy, then you were sad,
you slept, you awakened.
Sometimes you ate roasted chestnuts, sometimes persimmons.
~ Jane Hirshfield ~

16 comments:

  1. The ship goes out to sea. At one moment we hear waves splashing against her sides. The next moment she is just a speck in the fog. "Bon Voyage" is just a vantage point. The ship is what it was.

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  2. Phil, I'm sending you love and light. I'm not sure if you remember me, but you coached me at Stagen some years ago. I've thought of you often and always with fond memories. Bless you my friend, the world is a better place because you're in it.

    Willie Baronet

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  3. Aloha to you and yours, Phil. I heard of your illness and soon to be odyssey into the next realm from our SRF friends here in Lancaster, PA. Thank you for sharing your unique perspective on your last moments, which is a common experience for all of us sooner or later. We prefer to deny that this is possible. Yet I am happy for you and your conscious, mindful approach to your farewell.

    Thank you for this gift.

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  4. Phil, I don't know if you remember me, but I am probably the only civil engineer you had the pleasure to work with. You taught me the ability to Focus! Not just the importance of focus, but the importance focus could bring to my life. I am a better leader, husband, and father because you brought me balance. I will always remember our sessions and your eyes! My life is now grounded and your life with us has made a difference in so many people. Thanks for your focus,

    Alan Greer, ILP 2005

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  5. God speed, Phil...you are an inspiration.
    all blessings,
    John Forman

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  6. Phil-

    You and Paula are in our thoughts and prayers as you travel this path. The ripples of your journey will continue on and shall continue to impact and inspire us.

    Peter

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  7. Phil, ironic that today would be Bobby and Jan Blanchard's anniversary. I'm writing to let you know of the profound impact you had on my business partners life. Which in turn, profoundly impacted mine. I have just completed putting together a book of thoughts and quotes that Bobby found to be important. I got these by having the privilege to read through some of his journals after his passing. I am having multiple copies produced - the first two of which are going to his children, Zane and Maris whom are about to begin their journey in college. Many of those thoughts and quotes came from and through your discussions. Your wisdom and insight will continue to be passed on. Peace. Blessings.

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  8. Phil: I am so sorry to have missed the call today but I have thought of you often. Especailly the dinner one night with you and I and Jennifer. Your depth and insight into life was mesmerizing that night. You have been a true inspiration and I learned so much from you. Much love and peace to you. Carol

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  9. Phil, thank you so much for helping me find "bananas". I'd love my twin girls to hear your generous sharing from the call one day. Your impact on my life the past, present and future is beyond words. I love you and will see you soon.

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  10. "The eternal life of God flows through me. I am immortal. Behind the wave of my mind is the ocean of Cosmic Consciousness."
    Paramahansa Yogananda

    Dear Koso and Paula, Tati and I pray that you hold on to Love. Suffering is the nature of this world. May you find the strength and nonattachment to rise above it. Love and peace to you both.

    Brian (Lancaster, PA)

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  11. Love and peace to you and Paula. You are in my thoughts everyday. Shirley

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  12. Phil,
    I remember you once saying after a sitting that you never wanted to retire, that you enjoyed working and that you hoped you would die working. And so you are, working at your highest calling of teaching and sharing even at the last.

    Though many years have passed, all of us at Red Rose Sangha were moved to learn of your situation and we chanted the Heart Sutra for you and all beings Sunday evening. We are holding you and Paula in our hearts.

    Deep bows,
    David Ganse

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  13. Phil. We have never met. I have heard of you and I'm sad a little. Self serving because I think I missed you on this
    You said on the call today, something like, no final words, I prefer to let it happen. I like to do what is in front of me....
    Well, here is what happened for me.
    Mutuality. I don't know that I have ever heard that word said with such ... um.. what? unattachment? is that what it is?
    Your impact on the people on the phone call last way past the dial tone.
    Thank you for reminding me about purpose. An often overused word that means something profound. Thank you. Really. Thank you.

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  14. Happy 63rd Birthday Koso. Love ya always. Yukeba

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  15. Still find comfort visiting here from time to time.

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