Waiting

I spent the whole night waiting for him in vain

and I fear that in the morning he may suddenly
appear at my door when I, tired, have fallen asleep!

Oh friends, leave the way open and stop him not.

If the sounds of his steps do not wake me, please

do not wake me for I wish not to be called
from my slumber by a clamorous choir of birds
or by the rioting wind at the festival of dawn light.

Undisturbed, let me sleep even if my Lord suddenly

comes to my door, for my sleep is precious but waiting
for his touch, my closed eyes open their lids to light
in his smile as he stands like a dream in a dark night.

Let him appear before my sight as the first light

and the first form; let him, with his glance, be the first
thrill of joy to my awakened soul, and let my return
to self also be the immediate return to him.

Adopted from Tagore’s Gitanjali, poem 47

Henry Victor          31.12.2012

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