learning to laugh like buddha

49 years scaling the
   grey peaks of eternity

with hand-holds & foot-holds,
   pitons & carabiners––

trying to grasp
   the invisible mountain
   for dear life.

body tense &
   flat against the rock––

this completes
   our coursework
   on climbing.

our next class,
   (beginning momentarily),

will cover
   opening the heart
   &
   letting go.