Driving in big city traffic
I vow with all beings
To harmonize with the fast, the slow,
the erratic, the Law, and the Dharma.

My longtime home, Nashville, is now big. I can easily sink into grief over this growth and fear of the many “crazy drivers.” But yesterday, having steeped myself briefly in Zen gathas, the above lines emerged on Nolensville Road — radically changing the experience.

The last two lines don’t have Aitken Roshi’s rhythm, but no matter. Perhaps one day I’ll get there.