Even the forest fire smoke
that triggers a head ache
and stings my eyes…
that is
Love.
The heat
of these rainless days
that makes me squirm
and itch in bed…
Love.
The darkest memory,
the one
where love died
and died again
leaving what felt like none…
Love.
All those trips
down all those rivers
with their rapids
and glassy waters…
Love.
And when my boat tips
and I am submerged
in a roiling churn,
even this,
with water shooting up my nose
and breath vacating my lungs…
Love.
But! the mind screams,
how could those tears,
that pain,
be Love?
Because, says the One,
with a single tear
the whole Universe
washes clean.
Every hollow
howl in the night
chases the smoke away.
And through that drowning
in the river,
the heart dives into
the very core of creation,
the home
of the One.
And where the One lives,
so does
the true self,
which is…
Love.
Absolutely lovely, Lesley. It always seems a long distance between love and all life’s experiences that seem so opposite, and yet, the opposites play on one another and even help define them both. When the Master says there is no difference in “good” and “bad,” I think this is what he is saying — that we’re here in this dark, clay existence, and all these dualities, like threads being woven, play on one another until they are refined into the single understanding that both are needed before the tapestry can be made. Digo yo. 🙂
Beautifully said, Rudy. Truly it takes all viewpoints, all experiences to make the whole of this miracle creation. We, with our likes and dislikes, try to split it up, but ultimately we are brought to the One. Thank you, dear friend.
Oh, my, so powerful and absolutely beautiful Lesley! Tears stung my eyes as The final words sank in and my path somehow began to overlap with yours…I never thought of life and love in this way…you’ve given me a gift which I will keep close and and reflect on. Hope you are wel!!!❤️Mary Elizabeth
Thank you, Mary Elizabeth. I’m happy to hear that this spoke to you.
Thank you once again for the enlightenment 💜
Thank you, Theresa. 🙂
What a lovely adjunct to my contemplations this morning. What vivid images of conditions and circumstances that our mind cries and declares, “this shouldn’t be happening.” When in truth, when we are In with the Master, viewing from the 360, only our relationship to the One matters. Deepest thanks again.
So true, Christena. All of these lessons are our perfect teaching. Thank you!
Thank you Lesley, the perfect reminder to find the love in all experiences, or perhaps just to know/ trust that it’s there, even if I can’t see it in the moment. Thank you x
Yes, Chloe, sometimes we can’t see very far, but those times are often the richest, especially once we move through them to the other side. Thank you, dear soul.
As forest fires leave the sky a sepia brown tone with ash falling everywhere, reading your beautiful words, may I somehow continue to have faith❤️
Kelley, yes, you are right in the thick of the smoke there. I do hope you continue to have faith.
Through his divine power he creates all this magical show of name and form, of you and me, which casts its spell of pain and pleasure. Only when we pierce through this magic veil do we see the One who appears as Many. Chandoga Upanishad. It is my guiding light. The One where we all live.
Beautifully said, Bud, and so true! We are blessed to peek behind that veil. Thank you for the insight.