I recently saw on television a movie from a number of years back called The Grand Canyon. It is about the problems people experience in Los Angeles and the perspective the Grand Canyon gives on those problem. People experience problems everywhere. My poem today is about those problems and the perspective the Grand Canyon gives.

A photograph of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon

by Harry Kottler

I look at the Grand Canyon

And it goes on and on.

I am aware

that it is clear:

In life, one must be strong.

Without a measure of detachment

A life cannot go right.

Detachment is the secret

Of turning dark to light.

A multitude of things can happen

And if we're not detached,

What turns out wrong

Will be our song,

And what turns out right, we'll lack.

We'll remember pain and suffering.

We'll remember losses, too.

Our happiness we'll be smothering

And we won't know what to do.

The path to find detachment
Requires that we think,
"I do not need a set result.
I don't stand on the brink.

I'll put out steady effort,
But if results don't please,
I'll be content,
I will not vent,
I'll be totally at ease."

To think that way takes practice,
And meditation, too,
To close your eyes
And realize
Detachment is in you.

The laurels of life's victories
Are really not worth much.
It's really true:
Things bother you
When you are not in touch

With the impersonal nature of the universe,
With the meaninglessness of time and space,
With the necessity for ecstasy
Midst victory or disgrace,

With the triumph of the sagacious,
With the victory of great souls,
With the universe, so spacious,
Which is really one great whole.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona
Reveals a history so grand
That one can see infinity
From the place in which one stands.

And one can see detachment
Is the key to God's great plan.
Our lives are small,
But, all in all,
Our lives are very grand.


...............................................................

With love and respect,

Harry and Helen