Summer Maple

Summer is here, and the Japanese maple in the neighbor's garden is beautiful. The deep maroon will change into fiery red when fall arrives. Nestled in a sea of green surrounding trees, it reminds me of the contrast of the seasons. I have been absent for a while, as life and zazen have been quite fragmented. Too much travel, and the pounding surf of ten thousand things crashing through the gates of awareness. But a new spark now gives inspiration, and so the rise and fall of the breath brings me focus again.

Old tree, new leaves
Who is the wind blowing?