In Difficult Places
Hurting is present.
I can say this
Since there are moments
When the hurting
Is not so strong.
In this place of pain,
I somehow recognize
That I exist
In the hurt
And outside the hurt.
I prefer “not hurting”
But I am not pain
Nor in the pain,
Terrible as it can be.
Really, I am such a mystery
That no distress,
Nor exhilaration,
Can define me.
Theodore Tsaousidis
After Vermont Retreat
October 2010
Medicine Buddha Toronto 