The following is an original poem whose inspiration emerges from Daoism. Daoism emphasizes the natural course of everything life, as it precedes everything in life, existing before the universe’s creation. It also advocates harmonizing with this natural world. Better said, instead of disturbing the natural Way or Dao, accept it, embrace it, and learn to lose your physical self and become a part of it. It is best to begin by sitting quietly and emptying your mind of all thought and emotion. Feel yourself shedding your physical existence and realizing a higher state of mind beyond thought. Because humanity's best means for experience are through each of the five senses, I thought it appropriate to combine this idea of unity with nature through touch, sound, smell, taste, and sight. It is a simple poem written to convey a simple idea. However, there does exist an underlying motif of unity within its lines, intended to further harmonize the idea and the words that describe it. It is meant to be read, slowly and fluidly with emphasis on verbs and nouns to stress the concept of their interaction. When reading, breathe in deeply, and pause softly, but deliberately after each line. Also, keep in mind Daoism’s idea of human unity. Please read, relax, and enjoy the poem.

 SENSES. 
feel the warmth of sand beneath your footsteps,
its grainy, pebbly substance,
shifting, scanty, shapeless

                touch the sand.

hear the whisper of the wind, gently caressing the water’s surface,        
speaking softly, sharing secrets
as it lulls the waves to rest

               listen to the wind.

breathe in the salty mist of shoreline splashes,
a deeply satiating scent;
refreshing

                smell the ocean.

taste the salty spray of water upon your lips,
cracked and sun-kissed,
and relish the memory

                savor the salt.

see the beauty of the sunset, setting silently past your iris,
enveloping the world around it,
surrendering  to new surroundings

                watch for change.