In my dream I joined the band
of lay disciples
tugging like mules
harnessed to turn a water wheel
everyone so earnest
pulling hard
making our way around the circle
with our load
when suddenly it seemed so comical
I burst out laughing
and could barely stop
even while straining
to pull the wheel around
beside my friend
the young man who had brought me
to this dharma hall
which clearly lacked a teacher
and I thought
to introduce him to the WayPlace
in Ukiah
where Dharma Master Hua
once turned the wheel
so effortlessly with his
playful levity
and humor though there was no question
of his serious intent
but then I thought
of how since his Nirvana
the place had changed
and I awoke
knowing it's been years
since I last laughed like that