A Zen Garden

A ZEN GARDEN

Seeking relaxation? Then you

Need to find the perfect venue.

You will find the Japanese

Have the needed expertese.

Brushed sand evokes a peaceful mood

Where no bitter thoughts intrude.

Think of a garden; think of Zen

Far away from the noise of men.

Choose an area shaded, flat

Rather like an enormous mat;

Choose the very finest sand,

(Tell the merchant what is planned.)

Then take brushes, long and short

(Special brushes can be bought.)

Now to use imagination

Sweep and swirl a configuration.

Add some rocks at strategic places

Grouped or parted by several paces.

Of course, true Zen is complicated;

More spiritual than I have stated,

But you can fashion your own design,

Not like the Japanese (or mine).

Make sure a bench is placed just so

For you to sit and enjoy the show.

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But be aware that the cat next door

May scuffle it up!

Then it's 'Zen' no more!

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A true Zen Garden

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SWEET CHARIOT!

If you were a disabled child

Wouldn't it drive you nearly wild

To see the able-bodied swinging,

Climbing. clambering, clutching, clinging?

Wouldn't you say 'Let's stay indoors.

It wont be fun at the park because

I'll just be stuck in this old chair

And none of the children seem to care.

I'll hear them laughing, hear them shouting,

And I know I'm bound to hate the outing

Because of the things that they can do,

And I know my dreams cannot come true.

I want to float, I want to fly!

I want to spring up to the sky!

I want to feel the air go swish!

I wish. I wish. I wish. I wish........'

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This swing is not a work of art;

It's a clunky thing and not too smart.

But push a wheel-chair on to it

And see how safely it will fit.

Start to push and you will see

A magical look of ecstasy,

As a child, immobile as a rule,

Starts to laugh and play the fool!

Starts to crow with pure delight!

Starts to beg for greater height!

Starts to shout 'I'm flying! Flying!

I can move yet I'm not trying!'

And, like other girls and boys,

Squeals with a truly rapturous noise!

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Swing High, Sweet Chariot! How it brings

The greatest gift! The gift of wings!

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