#Poem - zen and the art of walking the dog

I’ve been so distracted lately.
I was laid off in September.
Now it’s December and I’m
Looking for my new livelihood
Still.

Since I have no job,
I’ve been commissioned with
Walking the dog three times a day.

I like that I used the word
Livelihood.
So much more true-to-form than
“Job” or “Work” or even
“Occupation”.
I’m not sure that anything but
Livelihood and maybe vocation
Fit for me right now.

Technology? I have the experience.
Music? I love it.
Social media? Hmmm.
What about my relationship?
In the midst of all this effort
To recreate myself, how do I
Continue to be attentive…

…and so much more was going
Through my mind every time I
Walked the dog.

Today, I had an epiphany.
Not the huge revelation where
The sky opens up or I hear the voice of God.
Not a complex moment at all.
Something very simple.
Something quite blissful, as well.
While walking the dog, I was
(wait for it)

Walking the dog.