Embracing Defeat and Death

I will place at your feet
awards and garlands of all my defeat
that I had no power to evade.

My pride too will not escape my heart
as my life bursts into exceeding pain
with an empty soul sobbing music as a hollow
reed capable of melting even a stone to tears.

I know, for certain, the tens of petals
of a lotus will not remain forever closed
and the secret respite from its honey
at that moment, for me will be unclosed.

From the void blue sky an eye shall gaze
on me and summon me in silence
leaving nothing for me, nothing whatsoever
and utter death I shall receive at your feet.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 98

Henry Victor          04.12.2012

Moment to Let Go Control

The time has come for you to take the helm

that I controlled in the past, and now the moment
for me to let go control has come, and I know
what there is to do will be done instantly.

Vain, therefore, is this struggle, oh my soul;
take away your hand, putting up silently

with your defeat and think it your good fortune
to sit perfectly still where you are presently placed.

I tried to light lamps forgetting all else are blown

out again and again at every little puff of wind;
but I shall be wise this time, my Lord, and wait in the dark
spreading my mat on the floor for you to take your seat.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 99

Henry Victor          25.11.2012