“My Zen is Stronger Than My Anger”

“My Zen is Stronger Than My Anger”

My zen is stronger than my anger.

Which shows you how strong 

My zen can be!

Because my anger can be very strong

If I forget or I’m lazy,

And let it rage without control.

Which, I confess, happens

From time to time.

Remember, I never said I was perfect.

That would be pretty stupid,

To say you’re perfect

When anyone can tell at a glance that you are not.

No, I’m just a poet

Who thinks he’s found a way to live

In a world he cannot control…

But must not fear.

Oh yes! 

I’m not perfect!

Ha! Ha! Nowhere near it!

But we learn 

From our shortcomings, don’t we? 

If we live long enough and pay attention.

That’s the zen of it!

Now, about this anger thing.

Anger is natural.

Whether poet, beggar, or king,

We all experience it sometime.

So don’t be surprised by your anger

When it rears up uninvited.

Embrace it!

Treat it carefully though.

When your anger appears 

Say to it, 

“Hello there, Anger.

I see you have come visiting 

At a most inopportune time.

Perhaps you could return a little later?

Or possibly not at all?

Thank you.

Goodbye for now.”

Yes, a quiet word with one’s anger.

You’d be surprised how often that works,

When your cooler head should prevail.

Which, let’s face it, is always.

As human beings, we are blest

With emotions.

Some, good and beneficial.

Others, not so.

Zen teaches that an attempt can be made

To control our emotions,

(Both the good and the bad!)

To live a better life.

Not better than others.

You know I didn’t mean that.

But a better life 

Because controlling our emotions

Reduces their sway 

And allows us to minimize

The importance of things 

Upon our lives.

Whether big or small.

So that, minimizing the importance of things, 

We can stop dancing

The dance of the desperate!

And live in happiness through loving kindness.

 Kindness to others.

Kindness to ourselves.

With a heart full of love

And the blessings

Of the gods!

Because we try to do what’s right

(For instance control one’s anger)

In a confusing, ever-changing world.

A world in need of zen. 

Yes!

If we remember 

To use our zen

It can cool.

Soothe.

Vanquish.

Hmmm.

I wonder.

Why are people smiling?

Because my anger is gone.

My zen asked it to leave

And after putting up a little resistance,

It went.

I hate to speak ill of those not present,

But isn’t it nicer around here,

Without my anger?

Don’t worry though.

Like many 

An unwanted guest,

He’ll be back.