Substance
Help me to find a path
that remains
In the sieve of truth
To recognize a glimpse
Of the reality that
transcends
Meaning in this world
A light to emerge
constant
Among variables
changing
While ideas and
desires
Flow by swirling
A tree rooted deep
Absolute
I kneel at water’s edge
Upon moss covered banks
To study sunbeams
Penetrating
Deep into the pool
Reflecting
Leaf and branches
Flickering
Upon the surface in the gentle breeze
They mirror upward and spread
Across the underside of leafy canopy
I walk into the water
Small rocks below the surface
Almost make dry passage
Through the center
The stream’s pool is clean
It ripples where insect
Glides against the peaceful current
Before resting briefly
By the still of opened hickory nut
Suspended in sand and water
I continue searching
Past gray rock that will not weather
Beyond sandbanks as they curve
Downstream water pulses
But is not rushing, is not deep
A sycamore rises
Laid bare and bending
The roots compress water until
It springs forth from spread of fern
A hallowed place
I stoop to examine bubbling water
Through the deepest fold of tree root
I touch fingers to cool water,
To my face, running down
I look upon the stretch of tree
And from the upper branches
A light begins to radiate
It rose as truth deeply rooted
Atop the tree shining constant
With absolute immensity
How is one to be in your
presence?
To look upon you
Who fills gaps equal
to every part
Of me that is missing
Who doesn’t need me to
tell
What has happened
Because you were there
So I could, if I would
Look to you
And then,
Know you are here for
me
It matters not
What has come before
You do not look at me
To hold me up to years
Of interpretations or
actions
You are in this moment
For only
me
My mirror dance,
The Tie-that-binds
There is substance in being guided
Help me to see
illumination
We seek the tie that connects
The circle that enfolds and protects
Sometimes we fall, but others
Are there to catch and receive
We walk together
Moving ahead in rhythm
There’s always someone
To feel the tug, the pull,
The advanced warning
Of another’s immanent stumble
Why when we sense this
Do we not rush to intercept the person
Before trouble, before the slip?
For what one does affects another
For the circle to be healthy,
Whole, complete
All who are bound in it
Must continue moving ahead
Participating
So there’s no dead-weight
No counter measure,
No pulling conflict
We can sense what’s happening to those around us
Why not offer to
Heal, hear, and assist them?
We are moving the same direction
To the same meaning and purpose
It would not hinder our goal or destination
The trip effort would be easier
Let us not pull against the circle
Let us not pull its shape out of form
To let you handle decisions and plans
To work to your purpose
The Tie-that-binds
There is substance to being guided
