walking with a staff

I did not want the courts
and the life of the cities
and I did not want the struggle
but I did not leave -
perhaps it was me
that saw the tension
but could not come into integrity
and put the blame on duty, care
and responsibility

I did not enjoy the crowds and the clamor
and yet was in it;
perhaps it was me
seeing what was about and all round
but not seeing within me

and then I picked up my staff in my old days
and I live now in my shed in the mountains
and walk when I wish;
and the ways of nature
and its forms keep me company
and I walk where I wish
in the solitude that nature whispered
would be mine, always mine…
but then
I was hard of hearing
when I was young;
and now, you that linger
in the halls of power,
you will see,
I am gone