“Meditation Blues” by Stephen Levine
Sometimes it breaks my heart
to watch my mind—
cold, self interest,
insistent fear and judgment,
whispered insults,
vengeful fantasies,
triumph and despair.
A conditioned unfolding
so impersonal,
we take it personally.
Sometimes aghast
at the casual cruelty
of even minor fears
and celebrations.
Sometimes it breaks my heart
to watch my mind.
And sometimes it stays broken
long enough to touch
even this pain
with love.
Sometimes the mercy washes
