talk of water
isn’t water
talk of fire
isn’t fire
talk of love
isn’t love
talk of mysticism
isn’t mysticism
so the path is itself the path
maps and manuals
teachers and companions
scenes and happenings
signs and openings
are not the path
they are
nourishment and instruction
for your application
the path is the path
it is the walking
it’s in the walking
so talk when there’s need
and do what’s required
but then
hold your
silence, where
the path opens up
as a hint
a whiff
a faint glimmer
a narrow sliver
then don’t
make excuses
or your usual
clever ruses
step on it
and walk
or else
spend your whole life
talking