The ZEN VOLUNTEERS - Paul H.

Praise to the Zen Volunteers of Laguna Honda

Praise Laguna Honda for the opportunity

to speak with those astute people in three shifts throughout the day.

Praise the Volunteers for knowing a little bit about everything

to keep me stimulated.

Praise them for being aware of the self,

As it's the material

That concerns me the most.

Thanks for the consoling influence they have on all of us.

Thanks for their over-concern even when it’s unnecessary

and for knowing when to let it go.

I can’t imagine there being any other place—

outside of an academic setting—

where this would exist.

We all seem cut from the same jib

and that’s a very good place to be.

Many assorted peers, all part of the soup

I drink daily, 

That sustains me and keeps me always wanting more.

I count myself as one of the chosen few

Not in an addicted way

But as in one of great fortune.

They help me to find the sunshine

in a seemingly mundane setting.

In the sometimes chaotic gardens that can be here.

Paul Hendrickson

8/21/18