Look no further than yourself,
be your own lamp
your own refuge.

The rain washed sky found a mirror in his eyes.

Yet for some time as the end neared
he was hearing an echo
from the deep well of nirvana
urging his weary feet toward a home
his aeons ago.

The frail bones feeling the pull
drove his weary feet through rains
to be on that land one last time.

Look no further
for howsoever long is the journey
must come to an end at home.

That night as he lay under the śāl tree
they strained to hear him whisper

All composite things decay,
strive diligently.

I wonder
how our great creator
built a vessel
strong enough
to contain my soul?

Each day my spirit fights
against my skin with violent
jolts as a young bird
seeking exit from a cage.

Unfettered psyche
free from me
bounces among clouds
rolls through deserts,
climbs volcanic ridges
migrates with birds in flight.

Curious instincts guide
my vital force inside and out
like honey bees
scour zinnias in full bloom.

Dare I release my spirit today?

As I had reached the immigration counter at the airport, the Immigration Officer began to recite his script of questions.
He began with, “What is your occupation?”
I replied “I am a proud healthcare professional who provides services to My customers with a pinch of love, a sense of morality, and a wide, whole Hearted smile”.

He then followed with, “Show me your ID".
I answered him with a soft voice, and replied respectfully,
“Sir, my identity can be found in the smiling and happy faces of all of the People around the world, it can be found in the hearts of the pure, and in The minds of the creative and kind souls.

The officer had a reserved look on his face and displayed a look of Hesitation. This made me feel that he was starting to listen to my Message.
He replied in a stern voice, “Where are you from?”
I answered with a smile,
"I come from this same beautiful earth.
I’ve grown up dreaming of reaching the moon just as you have, and when I’m truly touched, you can see the twinkling stars in my eyes.
I too have experienced the raging winds,
I’ve danced to the rhythm of the waves of the ocean, I’ve shared in singing The melody of the birds.
Sir, I am from the same sacrificing mother, I come from the same land, the Land of the free and the home of the brave".

The officer tried to contain his amusement, as he continued his recitation.
“What type of religion do you follow?”
I swiftly responded, “I follow the universal religion of kindness that believes that all people are created equal.
My religion believes in judging people based on their inner beauty, their true kindness, their generosity, and their ability to be compassionate."

With a big smile and a twinkle in his eyes, the officer responded, “Well sir, what have you packed in your luggage?”
"In this luggage, I have all of my great dreams, my endless yearning, my longing, my childhood memories, my experiences, and a whole lot of love, hope, and inspiration.
I also have some seeds that I plan to plant to develop positive change in this world."

I saw a tear roll down the officer’s cheek. Then he told me, with a voice full of emotion, “Brother, I hope you have a safe trip. Please take care of yourself, and continue on with your journey."

Hussein Dekmak

Mnemonic...

Over my mug of steaming coffee,
...i see cookies and a fruit...sliced,
to freshen my breath after my coffee break....

one glance...

one unexpected glance, took me back... to
when i decided to do something for myself,
to be happy.....and to be somebody....but,
finally....i fought the desire, to be defiant...
those awakenings, and newfound feelings,
still haunt my evenings...the hurting, somewhat
changed me, and my beliefs.......i realized that,

at some point in one's life, a chance moment
unfolds on a landing...clear to the eyes...on a mission,
to change attitudes...to erase wrong impressions,
triggered by unpleasant experiences....i have also
discovered....at the right time, somebody comes,
......like an angel with hidden wings...to soften
our hardened minds....to melt our frozen hearts,
ease our tensed opinions...offer us a healing balm.
sometimes, a place, or a face, becomes a kind of paper
that can't be crumpled, or destroyed...so hard to forget.
anyone...anything, that strikes the heart hard,
easily comes back, with the slightest reminder,
catches you..........unprepared....

this fruit on the table, in silence, it just sits there,
...unaware of its being mnemonic...doesn't matter,
if it's fresh, rotten, or candied...a plum, apple or pear
....................would prompt me, to remember,
over my mug of steaming coffee...


Sally


Copyright July 27, 2016
Rosalia Rosario A. Bayan

My beloved, tonight it is more than perfect, the zephyr winds sing so
sweetly your name and the crystal stars shine like your earrings.
As the White Mountains glint gracefully, and the wind speaks
over our fingers, upon our balcony, let’s dance, my beloved.

Now over the thousand streams and star crystals in the air,
You can see our prayers fill up the milky rivers in the sky.
Below the lights of Christmas, before the blue rivers of stars,
let’s dance like the shadows and the circles of the moonlight.

Now dreams rise over like the wind and shine so easily
But time falls quickly, and worries fall away so slowly.
So let the rage of your fears dance around and under your legs.
For the world is falling asleep, calling for the colors of their dreams.

So let the tresses of your hair fall freely,
And the wind of your perfume
Soak up the flames of your heart.
Spinning like the starlight, tasting every feeling,
Let the steel blue sky and its stars fall all around you.

Dance wildly, my beloved, let's dance like the songbird who sings,
let’s dance forever, until we wash into the skyline of our dreams.