We sometimes have the fear that if we really let go
of what we are always holding on to,
the goal of becoming special,
and fully accept that the practice is to be ordinary,
then we will lose our drive and determination
and finally give up our practice.

by Dennis Genpo Merzel

I

Tuco's practice didn't change when Arlu was out of town,
but he missed the conversations.
Even phone conversations weren't the same as being in the same room.
Did that reflect on his practice? He wasn't sure,
he just knew the rhythm of life slowed when she was gone.

He finished the letter and sealed the envelope.
Strange how he loved to write her even though they called all the time too.
Now that reflected on his practice, but he didn't care.
There is thoughtful speech and conversation and there is thoughtful prose -
never confuse them.

II

Arlu sometimes called Tuco after reading a letter but not this time.
He was clear within his missing her. She'd call in the evening
when the color turned here and the twilight crept up the porch at home.

She was clear in her missing him. No need to rush what will not change.
She got ready for her presentation at the conference.
Focused on what mood her practice called for as she got ready.

III

After a light dinner she called Tuco and let him know how the day went.
He knew from her voice how she'd done
but it was good to hear her talk about the crowd reaction and her's to theirs.

They both knew she'd be home the next day,
late morning would bring her to town,
lunch with her boss, then home to unpack.

Life fills with practice and its rhythms.
Some rhythms we know by heart,
some we must ad lib.

"Time is the illusion.
The presence is everything."²