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1

from mountain
lifts to tree
and single-legged
stands with arms upheld
unswaying
steps back
to warrior one
saluting
swivels smooth
and gazes along
a strong arm
warrior two
palm up
backward bend
reach
forward fold
stretch


1
2

with steady breath
downward facing dog
becomes the plank
becomes a cobra
shrinks to pigeon
slackens into fetal baby

3

inhale
look up sway-backed cow
navel into backbone
hissing cat
sturdy table tilts
and stacks its feet
side angle


1
4

curls to plow
transforms the plowshare
into bridge support
becomes the corpse
third eye looking
inside ribs and lungs
resurrects
to lotus
eyes closed
empty-minded
divine

Posted by Vivian on July 14, 2008
Tags: Uncategorized

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Total comments on this page: 9

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Vivian on whole page :

I tried every way I could think of to center this text. I felt the shape really added to the poem. Didn’t work.

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July 14, 2008 1:02 pm
Rob :

Is this how you wanted it to look? If not, let me know and I’ll change it back.

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July 17, 2008 9:45 pm
Vivian :

Yes, Rob, thanks. I found the centering in the edit function but when I “published,” it reverted. What’s the secret to centering?

July 18, 2008 9:07 am
Meagan M. on whole page :

I understand what you mean about shape, especially in a poem like this which seems to be so focused on shape and the body. I’m sure centering really adds to what you have. However, what’s here I just love. The minimalist lines feel very Asian, almost like little pieces of haiku. The use of all the yoga poses is wonderful! The individual poses could mean so many things. The title makes me think of a person going through their morning exercise ritual to become spiritually and bodily ready for their day, but it (and the rest of the poem) could even apply to something as vast as a person’s whole lifespan. I love it!

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July 14, 2008 9:27 pm
SBW on whole page :

Great comments, Meagan. I love the centered lines. There is something about the nature / aspect of being centered that seems appropriate to the poem. The shape of the poem is in line with Being–with the essence of life.
SBW

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July 17, 2008 11:44 pm
SBW on paragraph 2:

I really like the interweaving and interlacing of stanza two. One life is all life and yet its separate identity as well. Wow!
SBW

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July 17, 2008 11:47 pm
SBW on paragraph 4:

Vivian, I think you should google Orion, and send this off to them.

One of your best poems, I think.
SBW

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July 17, 2008 11:48 pm
Nathan on whole page :

I love the Eastern feel to this poem.

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July 18, 2008 2:25 pm
Rob on whole page :

I just highlighted everything and hit the center button. I don’t know why that worked for me and not you, though.

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July 18, 2008 5:51 pm
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