There's no merit in my practice and no shame.
Mental focus is worth nor of plaudit nor blame.
Meditation, more than virtue, is its own reward.
I live for life's sake and my practice--the same.
"I contain multitudes" but do we accord?
Elusive, the places where dreams are explored
I would not my wild impulse extinguish or tame
And I'm grateful to never be bored.
A seeker of truth plays a dangerous game
My soul in pursuit of a wavering flame
A tortuous path leads ever onward toward
No virtue, no prize I might claim.
No achievement amassed, nothing to hoard,
May my pride be vanquished by its own sword.
-- Josh Mitteldorf
