It swaddles us, it clears our way,
companions us from birth to death;
it greets us at the break of day
and brings us milk upon a tray:
Our breath!
It buoys us and scuds the foam
before us in the worldly bath.
It sanctifies our mental dome
and guides our tread upon the loam.
It minds our path!
It gathers in the purer air
and blows away the dust, the chaff.
It tends to every whim and care
and fans our bluster when we dare.
It fills each sigh and laugh.
It helps apportion cosmic wit,
ensuring us our supple heft.
It readies us and makes us fit
to love, to share each other’s spit.
For in the end there is no theft!
So when you’re feeling down and out
upon this road from birth to death,
just stop and focus on the spout.
Remind yourself without a pout:
“Take heart! You’ll never lose your Buddha breath!”