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Poem: Reflections of T'ai Chi Ch'uan

By Sifu Diane Cannon

In the beginning...
Learning to stand
Learning to breathe
Connecting my body, like a string of pearls.
What is this feeling pouring into my hands?

Time goes on...
Learning to swim
Learning to be
Counting the movements with each beat of the drum
Where have you been all my life?

Hooked
Learning to stand
Learning to breathe
Learning to swim
Learning to be
Warming my center as the music fills my bones
Mind, body, spirit and breath, moving as one
The commitment deepens
The heart grows strong

Exploring unexpected paths
Knives, Swords, Spears and Fans enter my world
A Teacher, gentle and wise, retrieves a lost spirit
Brings her home
As the First Ray of Dawn lights the way

The Dance begins
Refining, pushing, drilling
Training mind and body
Finding strength and power as the whole body moves
One unit

Passion
Never enough!

Respect
Forevermore...

Life lessons at the foot of the Master
Watching, listening, feeling overwhelmed as
His two Disciples assist with loving eyes
Tender walks, playful talks
Feeding the soul with two plates
Living the art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan

A lifelong journey...
Acknowledged
Accepted
Welcomed

Smiles, surprises, trials and celebrations
T’ai Chi Friends... Forever!

With unending gratitude and respect to Sifu Ray Hayward,
Diane Cannon
2002