I have a new creative obsession outlet: zentangle poems. I signed up for art card exchange with Amy Souza at Spark . I have a pocket Buddha reader. The pages are small (2″ x 3″) and full of wonderful Zen words in which to create small poems. Here are the art cards I sent out.
free
See beyond reality,
illusion, vision, dream
beyond the realm of words.
(Zentangle Buddha Poem #1)
can free you.
Understand sweetness.
Trust the self.
Nothing exists forever.
(Zentangle Buddha Poem #2)
in a tangle–
hopelessly question
Understand the tangle-truth.
(Zentangle Buddha Poem #3)
You are yourself.
You, wherever you are.
(Zentangle Buddha Poem #4)
the scent of sandalwood
against the weed.
My sister is an artist. (You can find her on Instagram at bethsaxena_art.) Beth sent me this folded book with the message “This book wants to be a poem.” I’ve had it for a while. She painted in blank spaces just the right size for Zentangle Buddha Poems.
Wonder indeed
entered
is calm insight
and truth.
Reflections on the Teche 
What fun, freeing and reaffirming poems these are, and it looks like you had fun creating them. I love all the movement you created with your art on the pages too, and your sisters book to you. Thanks for sharing all these wonders!
Those are some good Zentangle poems! The Buddha reader provides some good material pare down.
This is great! I’d bet my student writers would love this! I’ll have to give it a try with them soon! Thanks for sharing!
Oh! My fave is without a doubt #4. Zentangles are a bit addictive. In fact… I think it might be time I played again. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂 (I also love the scent of sandalwood amongst the weeds.)
Margaret, these are so much fun — I’m going to have to give them a try. I especially like the collaboration with your sister!
Okay these look so great! Excellent visuals I will have to give them a shot. Thanks for sharing.
Look at you! So many cool zentangles. I really like how you have just the right text for being ready for zentangles. How fun! And, what a fun gift from your sister. I don’t think you are the only one inspired to zentangle…I’ve gotten a bit hooked too! I love how it’s better to not think…just spot words and then pattern, pattern, pattern. “the scent of sandalwood against the weed” is a beautiful line.
These are incredible, Margaret! Your creativity is shining through in all of them, but I especially love the message of #2 & #4. I’m usually intimidated by zentangles, but you and Linda have inspired me!
The right text is everything. #4 is my favorite — form and function united. And now that you have been inspired by Linda M. to add color…I can’t wait to see the next batch! (Isn’t it fun that you found the word TANGLE in a couple of them?!?!)
Oh, Margaret, what a sweet post! I’m sure you had a wonderful time putting together this zentanglish post. It is beautiful! I have a favorite I think, where these lines are found. It is very powerful…
Disentangling truth
can free you.
Understand sweetness.
Margaret, you cleverly untangle the tangle and created a wonderful collection of inspired poetry. I love your subject matter and how you unwrapped the beauty of words to create your own words of wisdom. This is surely a way to nurture your summer soul. Perhaps you and your sister would like to showcase some of your word in my new collection, Nurturing Our Summer Souls that I introduced at SJT. Let me know.
Margaret, these are just amazing. I feel so…calm reading them all! Your poem #2 especially resonated with me. Thanks for sharing these bits of art and bits of yourself. xo