an old writer and his words

  • INTERSTICES

    In the interstitial moment between birth and death a universe comes into existence, something that never before existed and existed always, new and well-known, unseen and visible for eternity. Measure it well for it is incapable of measurement, and ends without warning and precisely on schedule. In the momentary breath that marks the transit, we…

    Lou Faber

  • UNEQUINOX

    A robin is slowly building her nest.  She sits on one of the higher branches of our still winter-naked maple.  She anxiously tucks small twigs, weaving the impenetrable.  Each time I walk beneath she sits up and chides me.  She is an expert in propriety. My lover and I walk down a rutted path, grasses…

    Lou Faber

  • STANDING AT THE GATE: REFLECTIONS ON THE MUMONKON

    Joshu’s Dog                 無門關 一    There is no question nor dog nor Buddha-nature.   There is no thing   In the far corner Joshu barks loudly.   Hyakujo’s Fox             無門關 二     The old, crippled fox crawled slowly from the mouth of the dark cave.   Sidling up to Hayakujo the old monk said to fox, “think…

    Lou Faber

  • Dialogue

    S:         What are you doing, for heaven sake? H:        Isn’t it obvious, I’m searching for Nirvana, for enlightenment. S:         You silly fool, it’s right behind you! H:        (turning suddenly) It is not, I would certainly see it. S:         You might think so, but it is still right behind you! H:…

    Lou Faber

  • Doors

    He walks slowly into the room. He looks around, noting the position of every piece of furniture, each picture on the wall, the nap of the rug, how the rug is slightly off angle giving the room a sense of rhombus-ness. When he leaves and locks the door behind him, there is a sudden darkness,…

    Lou Faber

  • Where?

    Walk slowly down the path. Note the stones along the way. Step on them, or over them, the choice is yours. The sky is still above you, there is no reason to look up. Do not seek a map, for at best it will say “You Are Here!” As if you could be anywhere else. With…

    Lou Faber

  • Enso

    In the interstitial moment between birth and death a universe comes into existence, something that never before existed and existed always, new and well-known, unseen and visible for eternity. Measure it well for it is incapable of measurement, and ends without warning and precisely on schedule. In the momentary breath that marks the transit, we…

    Lou Faber

  • And So It Begins

    The coyote no longer inhabits the hill south of our city. Yet we know he is there, staring down at the lake, watching the grape clusters fatten on the vines. We cannot see the orange-red orbs of his eyes on a still winter night. We know he sees us. Coyote cannot be found, no carcasses…

    Lou Faber