Looking through the convoluted machinations
of man made megaliths to faith,
I see ephemeral shadows of history
edited away in the name of religious power.
Follow mine eye to forgotten visions...
In an ancient cavern dedicated
to personal enlightenment sits many figures,
contemplating the impossible, attempting
to wrap their minds around sharpened corners
hidden in the depths of the psyche unplumbed.
One such figure is dark of skin, hair and eyes;
flashing with piercing intelligence
and wondrous kindness.
He stands, stretches away countless hours
spent with knees knotted together
in full lotus, blossoming understanding.
A wizened, wrinkled old figure in robes threadbare,
notices the change in his greatest student.
"Jesu, my child, will you leave us now?
Has not my guidance on your path helped you?
Has the Za-Zen reached the roots of your soul?"
In rich tones of well spoken love,
a momentous reply is offered,
"Master, it is time to travel home.
Your gifts will be shared with all
in my crusade against the corruption
of heaven's light.
I thank you for your time."
"Time will not be your friend, child."
The newest master bows his head
in the acceptance he has always known,
worn with the grace of kings.
"Yes, time befriends no one.
I will make love my constant companion."
His heels kick up sacred dust
on the way back to Galilee.
Author notes
Thanks for the invite!
Prompt: (from the Gospel of Thomas)
18. 'The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us, how will our end come?"
Jesus said, "Have you found the beginning, then, that you are looking for the end? You see, the end will be where the beginning is.
Congratulations to the one who stands at the beginning: that one will know the end and will not taste death."'
A contest entry
- Quote Interpretation ~ The Gospel of Thomas by aslanlight.
475 points, ended June 20, 6 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Tell me what you think!
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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This is a remarkable entry. Though it's about Jesus death I'm not sure it gets at the heart of the wisdom of the quote but you're a master of the pen and the imagery is excellent!
Peace Georgia
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Brilliant piece of work fellow wordsmith.
I placed him with greek philosophers with this prompt but you took him one step further East!
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Wow!
This brings me back to a poem I once wrote called "You always go back to the beginning in the end." It does capture the aspects of ecumenism and trans-faith spirituatlity. Interesting piece. Best of luck in the contest!
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Go, GC! Fantastic take on the prompt. A new look at the spirituality of the man himself. Would this also be the lost years.....? Kudos!
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i enjoyed this alot. Lots of nuances that tie nicely to the cone like nature of the 18th.
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