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Shanti Stupa, Pokhara, Nepal

This beautiful Buddhist Peace Pagoda is set high on a hill overlooking Pokhara. I’m afraid we chickened out and took a hair-raising taxi ride to the top. But so worth it, for the peace, the clean clear air, and the views of the mountains with Pokhara laid out like a tablecloth beneath them. Gorgeous.

 

Peace Pagoda Pakhora

Peace Pagoda Pakhora

The spectacular view of moutains and Pakhora taken from the Peace Pagoda.

The spectacular view of moutains and Pakhora taken from the Peace Pagoda.

 

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Notice

Notice how the sun feels on your skin
How the wind makes you squint your eyes
How the rain makes you shiver
How the snow makes you smile

These things make you alive

Notice how soft the pillow is
when you rest your head
How warm the water is
straight from the tap
How the walls keep out the weather
to keep you dry and safe

These things make you rich

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Prayer to the Reaper

Death creep quietly to my side
smooth the life lines from my face
let the darkness rest my eyes
and wrap me in your cold embrace

Lift the troubles from my soul
soothe the ache from weary bones
I will submit without recoil
‘til but the shell of me remains

Stop my heart from pumping blood
so lips no longer crave the kiss
Tears will dry upon my cheeks
the scars of life to turn to dust

Then teary eyes remember life
and turn their gaze towards the light.

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The Old and the New

I took this picture when we were staying in London for my Graduation a few years ago.  Even though it’s taken from the side and you can’t see it clearly, I love this picture of St Paul’s Cathedral, not only for some really wonderful memories of that particular weekend, but because of the way its remarkable architecture looms imperially over the gawdy lights of the shopping mall.

St Paul's Cathedral, London, England

St Paul’s Cathedral, London, England

 

 

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Backpacker Mother

This was inspired by my daughter’s current trip around South America, which she has loved while I have worried.  I’m a bit jealous too to be honest!

Backpacker Mother

In the tangled jungle of my mind
creepies and crawlies
bite and suck.
They feast on your blood
and fill you with venom.
Howls of the night
keep you from rest,
and contorted vines
grab at your feet.

Oh, and the poisons
that turn your mind within
and make you fear your past.
And your future.
Those poisons in the smoke,
the innocent leaf,
and the full round berries,
Juicy and ripe,
that would lull you to a soundless sleep.

In the cave-dark recesses
I see nothing but danger.
Whilst you, bathing in the dappled sun,
taut with adrenalin,
lean and young and brilliant,
agile and streetwise,
your light shields your eyes
seeing only the soft green shoots
and fearful creatures.
Seduced by that beguiling woodland.
Aware of only good

You go where I would fear to travel.

Take care. x