Owen Bullock

No Problem

shimmer
on the water . . .
thoughts of the dying

I’m worried by the fact that we’ve not much work at the moment, but in the morning I receive a message: something good will happen today to encourage you.

My partner and I decide on a walk. A man at the top of the Homunga Bay loop says, “It’s muddy as hell down there.” We acknowledge him cheerily and set off.

along the track
following the young surfers’
body odour

After our trip to Fiordland in the autumn, the Demon Trail leg of the Hollyford Track with its treacherous rocks and slathering of mud, this path doesn’t seem at all gruelling.

cliff face
a tui whistles the first bar
of Sailor’s Hornpipe

I think about what that message might be: Is it the light on the water, the bush, the discussion we’ve been having, the open air?

We climb down to a small bay and paddle in the waves. Eckhart Tolle’s writing has been a strong influence on me and his koanic question ‘What is the problem now?’ comes to mind. The sea seems to answer with an electrifying force and a grand indifference.

On the way home, we go visiting. I tell our friend about the lack of work. She laughs, aware of other potentials. Her man talks about plans he has, his enthusiasm is always energising. I have a feeling we can go anywhere.