The husky strains at his leash
hackles up
fangs bared
saliva dripping.
He wants our dog for dinner,
and he does attack,
our boy’s paw ripped bloody
his wails echoing through the hills.
After disinfecting and bandaging him,
in the night I squirm
wanting it all to stop,
that neighbor dog to leave—or die!
Then I see the reflection—
that vicious dog like my own mind,
so rabid,
straining at its leash.
I have tried to tamp down its desire,
to stop its yearning for always more,
but its quest for outer love is deep
and relentless as storm-driven waves.
My only recourse
is to invite it along,
urge it to sit with me
before the Beloved,
To bask in that
Love within,
softening the yearning,
balming the outward tug
Until tranquility
and stillness
surround us both
in a quiet, pink cloud.
This communion unleashes the true self
to fly in the bright budding beauty,
the shining, sparkling
current of love.
And the husky?
His person and I now have a schedule
so the dogs no longer meet
and can walk in their own serenity.
Very moving and wonderful advice for this the world we live in; thank you so much Lesley sending you light and Peace. John
Thank you, John. As a dog lover yourself, I’m sure you relate, and I’m happy that the poem spoke to you.
Once again Lesley, your masterful ability to recognize and perfectly put into word pictures the often hidden Divine Love, Inspiration, and Truth you find in your everyday experiences. My sincere appreciation for this latest reminder to stay present to the silently thundering Shabda that lies at the base of every perfectly orchestrated challenge we face.
Thank you, Dan, for your eloquent response to this. “…to stay present to the silently thundering Shabda that lies at the base of every perfectly orchestrated challenge…” A poem in itself!
My inner husky is doing great, thank you very much! I love the reminder to bring him on my journey with the Master in my daily practice because he is calmed very quickly; in fact he’s amazed to see the reality of an inner being without the strain and pulling of conflict! Thank you Leslie. ❤️
Beautifully said, Benny. Yes, the inner husky really does benefit as well, as it relaxes and realizes it can enjoy life. Thank you for that insight!