To Each His Koan

I keep them up here in my hat –

some handmade koans to call my own.

A koan for this, a koan for that.

A koan to show me where I’m at.

A koan

to make me doubt when I am sure

and push me off my stolid throne.

Another, like a prickly spur

to kick me into sudden cure,

to make me groan

whenever I lack confidence

or nurture ills to which I’m prone.

I keep this one with sparkling tints,

providing not so subtle hints

that call me to my zone.

Some simple ones as well, that please

by virtue of their gentle tone.

And some to sip with morning teas

that warm affections when they freeze

and melt my ego’s heart of stone.

I cannot say they’ll work for you.

I love you, but you’re not my clone.

So here are some for you to chew.

I think you’ll like at least a few.

And if you don’t? Oh well, “To each his koan!”