gathering

on

the

floor

we have come to the mats

sitting

waiting

stretching

breathing

talking

laughing

one man,

   terrified..first time?..someone asks

she is late

I close my eyes

and

bring my knees to my chest

and

exhale..

I rushed to get here

and now she is late

feeling a twinge..frustration rising in my kundalini

breathless

breath

breathing..and ..at ..last..

..the familiar recessing of strain

it is lovely to lay here

only breathing…only peace

in almost darkness, a candle burns and glows

in the near distance

..gossip

   ..it never stops

I sit up now     restless

I debate leaving..where is she?..some one tells the air

volumes of voices      like birds at dusk

the door flies open

she arrives

quiet grace

no apologies..no explanations

like school kids

  we bolt up straight    in pretend lotus

the candle flickers and dies

   class begins