Wednesday, December 28, 2011

In Search Of Bodhisattva

Photo ©2011 R. Burnett Baker

in search of bodhisattva:
(in)significance of one




for it is the nature 
of this species 
to shed singular parts,
protect the mass of living,
sustain continuity 
beyond the faded,
fading one;


in this peeling away 
of individual beings
we shed personal beliefs,
lies we tell ourselves 
to ensure survival; 


we narrate gods 
of expectations, 
guilt being the 
measure of commitment
to a greater good, 
while praying for 
a glorified redemption 
of each 
soul; 


there's irony 
in being alone 
and crying for the moon
of solitary strength 
to which we cling: 


clinging is futile.
but necessary. 


damningly so.




Poem ©2011 R. Burnett Baker

4 comments:

  1. Wow...this is incredible. I was reading and waiting to see who you were quoting but it was YOU who wrote it!!! What a wonderful thought goes through this poem. Having just lost a dear friend on Dec. 15, it brought thoughts of her and the reasons why we are put here on earth. Thank you so much for the chance to reflect this A.M.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Teri, you have my thoughts and prayers for the loss of your friend. In re-reading this I sense a slight philosophical dichotomy in what I was saying, or trying to say. Poetry can make a statement. It can also make us question and seek answers. Perhaps that is the ultimate reason/need for poetry and, indeed, all art forms. Thank you for your kind words, and I wish you the very best!
    Rick

    ReplyDelete
  3. "guilt being the
    measure of commitment
    to a greater good"

    Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Spectacular! and the ending! a somberly breathed WOW!

    ReplyDelete