The first assignment on the first day
of the second year of winter studies
was to look around and see what
what I could see and as a subset
of this, perhaps to notice how
I was experiencing the experience.
It was all, I can tell you, far richer
than I expected. Take for instance
the way I felt drawn to this tree,
to this cut section of it that I’ve watched
for a couple years now. It was deep
in shadow, but even so, the colors
of its resin ran down its surface as if
they were made from melted crayons.
I held my breath as I photographed it,
feeling honored to be allowed.
This is a ceremonial vision drum.
As I gaze into its smoky depths
I imagine dancers silhouetted
before a great bonfire and hear
the rhythm of their drums.
Then I blink, and think, laughing,
that this is only Day One.