Round cushion The same one with an imprint -- two round halves, left and right. Sit with legs crossed Eyes closed without sleep. Breath in, breath out. Face still and unwrinkled Left palm on top of right. Palo santo smoke whirling in the background. Thoughts start to arrive Small black-and-white picture movies yelling to be seen To be assessed, To be analyzed. A task. A memory. An assumption. A what could have possibly been. I judge. Like a kite on a string Or a thought melting into smoke, I let it go Let it dissipate into nothingness. Curiosity. Breath in, breath out. Breathe in, breathe out. I am here. Now. A nudge on my hand wet nose buried in my fingers. Dog. Incessant licks tickle, almost breaking the silence. Breath in, breath out. Center. Heavy paws on my chest, twenty pounds leaning in for attention. Corners of mouth curl upward. Love. Motion ceases, a sigh of futility. Breath in, breath out. Distraction averted. No, distraction welcomed. ❤