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 go into grieving 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.