I skirted the edge of the abyss

8.20.10

I skirted the edge
of the abyss this morning
the first noble truth
burning in my soul
the fire reaching up from darkness below

how many times have I slipped
and fallen into the inferno
at times, perhaps, was it not more
comforting to surrender to the
teeth and the hungry stomach
of suffering

then, I would force others, too
to feast on the heart and marrow
of my own despair

but today, somehow, I clawed my way
along the rocky ledge
exhausted, yet steadfast
toes and fingers raw
reaching, today, for some other
release that I have only heard of

now, past the most precipitous
edges, I have grasped reprieve
but still not reached the
refuge of the truth
trapped between emancipation
and entanglement

I can only hope that even these
smallest steps have made
the world a better place

and that the practice
will reveal itself to me,
that higher ground
will be easier to find
in the days ahead

moon

8.11.10

moon
sweetness
the field lit up
slowly
awaiting my soul

tonight I would rest
in your fullness
but tomorrow
we journey
to the godhead