How Do I Love Thee: a Poem for Deer Park

Love Letter to Deer Park

In harmony with Thay’s practice of writing love letters to share gratitude, love, and peace with those around him, we asked practitioners to write love letters to Deer Park describing what it means to them. Please enjoy this monthly feature. The Deer Park monastics are truly grateful for the energy and commitment of the lay sangha as well. 

How Do I Love Thee: a Poem for Deer Park

(Inspired by Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height 

My soul can reach to Thay’s continuation in each of you.

I love thee with the seeds of understanding, compassion, and 

Insight that you encourage me to water and feed.

I love thee with my breath, in and out, deep and slow, 

Calming, easing, smiling, releasing. 

I love thee each hour as the mindfulness bell (from PV app) rings in my home — 

Inviting my family to stop and touch the wonders of life in the present moment.

I love thee with my daily practice of sitting, walking, eating, and working.

I love thee when I forget my practice and your practice reminds me.

I love thee with the smiles, tears, joys, and sufferings of my life and of the world.

I love thee with the passion put to use in my old griefs, with my childhood’s faith 

And maturing understanding of inter-being.
I love thee with the gathas, songs, Dharma talks, Days of Mindfulness, 

Retreats, meals, and mailings you wisely prepare and generously share. 

I love thee in the depths of gratitude that I feel every day, 

Knowing you are there practicing on the Hidden Mountain — 

With each other, with plants of sage and toyon, with birds and coyote, and 

With the ancestors of blood, land and spirit.

I love thee in my deep wish for your happiness, safety and peace — 

With an aspiration to be there for you as you are for me.

And I know I shall love thee more and more with each precious day of 

No birth and no death, aimlessly coming and going in freedom. 

– Cheryl P., Courageous Opening of the Heart