This is my brain on senryu I

Shhhh, the colors are singing silently.

Exactly.  Shhhh...

Hm. I've been sitting here a while, with my head a bit cocked to the side. Pausing over each stanza. I read or heard somewhere once that cancer cells are ever present in the body. It is when their production becomes rampant, that we suffer. Everything in moderation. That also makes me think about how, in each breath, millions of cells are born and dying. Eckhart Tolle says, The opposite of death is not life, the opposite of death is birth. Life is eternal.

Then, I went and defined Zen, and read a few interpretations. Wanted further perspective on the word, beyond my own understanding of it. so I could apply it to your metaphor. Immediate impression was the saying, the elephant in the room. Makes me think the elephant is perhaps some unspoken anxiety or worry. Hm.

Third stanza seems related to the second, to go against the grain, in a hectic situation, but do so calmly, having found peace.

Closing stanza is my favorite and indeed has a lovely Zen feeling about it, like something simple yet profound said by Hafiz, Osho or Rumi. It left me with a lovely feeling.

This was the most interesting thing I've read today.

Daniel, it’s at this moment, while struggling not to gush in showing my gratitude for your efforts in preparing your scholarly comment, that I’m awash with emotions I didn’t expect, nor does a reader’s thoughts usually take me there.  Because of the trouble you took, you benefit so much more from what’s there for anyone to gather, like flowers.

It was my pleasure *hugs* 💖

your words have created a calm oasis in my mind, jade
each verse has something unique to offer, but my favourite is the third. it's like the rush and tumult parts, noise and stress cut away, as you serenely walk through its midst, sipping—never spilling—one drop

Thank you, dear Jan.  What you received from my little renga was felt in return as I read & reread your words— receiving a gift for a gift.  I’m moved by the recommend.

lovely poetry

A most gracious thank you, sister.