Year of the Iron Tiger
Be prepared for uncharted fields
in the wild. Brace yourself to stalk
the prey of wandering thoughts
before you pounce
that old enemy—distraction,
all those frivolous wisps of hope and fear
hidden among weeds of mind.
Crouch low
Keep your nose to the ground
Smell wind
Hear the rustle of ignorance
when hungry to ambush
that wildebeest of one’s own rage.
Growl at adversity in the night
By day drink from the spring of Refuge
Flash your tiger’s teeth at enemies
Guard your pride with ease among outcrops.
Then, let your steely gaze ignite the fire
of impenetrable essence –
Awake in the blaze.
Jacqueline Gens
Conway, MA
Losar 2010
[unformatted version}
