A former monk seconded my saying

I’m the most settled I’ve ever been.

He went on to say, So what’s

wrong with us? What’s going

to happen next?

I seconded that sentiment.

I make a statement,

hopeful, optimistic;

he seconds it.

He reveals the shadow

of our givens;

and I second that. At least,

we agree to both statements

or do we? Depends

which one wins out.

He moved on away

from monastic life

years ago. I’m still

a monk and we’re settled.

And we ask the same question:

So what is wrong?

I don’t envy him his life.

He doesn’t envy me mine.

Seconds. No envy.

None of that unique.

We are just shards

of glass from the same

mirror on a mosaic

reflecting back to the person

who happens to pause and study

this abstract, staring in wonder

and surprise at a fragment

of a face that looks content.