Muddy Shoes

I cannot cast off the nature of life and death.
it sticks to my shoes like dirt and mud.
But leaving my shoes at the zendo door.
I meet my true self like an old friend.
Done with zazen, I put on my shoes again for my walk in the world.
At home, I think of my old friend and give my shoes a brush here and there, and they are cleaner.
Each day a little dirty.
Each day a little clean.