Excuses! Excuses!

Dear readers,

Normally I do a real post each Monday. This week, however, I am unable to do so. I am writing something that is extremely important to me and is taking all my time and thoughts. It seems I can only write one thing at a time. 

If everything works out, I will be able to share some news in the weeks or months ahead, but, meanwhile, I have to concentrate on this ONE THING until it's finished. 

For today, please enjoy this poem by Robert Pinsky. It's been a favorite of mine for many years. 

Samurai Song

Robert Pinsky, 1940

When I had no roof I made
Audacity my roof. When I had
No supper my eyes dined.

When I had no eyes I listened.
When I had no ears I thought.
When I had no thought I waited.

When I had no father I made
Care my father. When I had
No mother I embraced order.

When I had no friend I made
Quiet my friend. When I had no
Enemy I opposed my body.

When I had no temple I made
My voice my temple. I have
No priest, my tongue is my choir.

When I have no means fortune
Is my means. When I have
Nothing, death will be my fortune.

Need is my tactic, detachment
Is my strategy. When I had
No lover I courted my sleep.