On going to bed last night
I took extra sleep meds.
As a result, I slept well
until 1:00 A.M.
but was still drowsy
when I began japa
and couldn’t keep
precise count of the quota
for the first four rounds.
I continued this
inaccurate chanting
on the second set.
On the third set
I switched to a brisk pace.
I was remorseful
to be falling behind
and decided to stop
my japa after three sets
and promise to finish
the final four rounds
later in the day.
I considered it a half-decent session
because I didn’t finish
the sixteen rounds,
and I was drowsy in the
first four.
At least I follow the process of doing
a prescribed number of rounds
in obedience to the order of the spiritual master,
a sacred vow.