The Sacred Homage. Thursday's Homily for The Devout, 16, to the Respected Poet, Brenda Arledge
Manatita is an esteemed author living in London, UK. He writes spiritual books, flash fiction and esoteric poetry, his favourite genre.
Wisdom from the Master
A Stronger Heart
Mine Is The Wisdom-Light
That Tells Me To Ask
Not For A Lighter Burden,
But For A Stronger Heart.- Sri Chinmoy
A Soul Facing Life's Challenges
A Soul Facing Life's Challenge's
I am a soul who has been facing life’s challenges for eons! I go through life grasping, clinging … seemingly paying homage to the One, but all the time clinging to shadows.
This is no slur on me, for the Absolute Itself has made this a part of the struggle and as such, like the deer looking for musk, which is within its own body, I search endlessly, seeking to command the very thing I need.
Meanwhile, life pushes me, in search of an unfathomable tomorrow. I rise and fall, face success and failure; victory and defeat, until I finally recognize that they are all imposters … that my only goal, is progress.
Finally, I realize that Love is not a bird with feathers, only a winged effulgent Light, which can only evade me as long as I try to grab … embraces me the moment I let go and surrender to Her Will.
Namaste!
Namaste! The Light in me, pays homage
To the Light in you. When my little ‘i’, merges
Into the Emptiness of sleepless Self, we’ll both
Blend together in harmony, for we are One.
Namaste! Some say you’re only a sweet
Sentiment. How come my scars bleed at nights;
The agony of my soul weeps across a million
Journeys, calling out thy name?
Namaste! The sweet moon whispers your resonance
At nights, my mind’s in turmoil; my Heart pounds;
Dawn brings your fragrances from the meadows, where
We once sat in twilight reverie, laughing with the heavens.
I still feel the warmth of your ceaseless merriment,
Waltzing and painting a canopy of stars; calligraphing
Our names on indigo colours; wooing me with cute
Ballads; telling me of how much you love me!
I am the Love that I have been seeking
Namaste! We once explored tapestries together –a
Kaleidoscope of colours quintessentially discerning, blending
Together like rainbows and horizons. Singing love-songs
In unison, we danced gracefully; made salutations to the sun.
Now my Spirit’s heavy and the pain chokes like smoke; I lie
On the lap of morn tormented --a red thread of past memories,
With the breeze an only listening companion to my woes.
Namaste! I try to deal with lamentations of longing, to
Carve out a destiny of shimmering lights; yet even the sacred
Dew-drops feel my sorrow, as the sunrise dissipates with daybreak.
Namaste! I stroke your lips, with the tenderness of delicate fingers,
The crimson sun kissing your smile, your cheeks blending into our
Memories like liquid glue. Way into the grove of the garden of Love,
The purple lavenders extoll your glory; the jasmines blush in discreet silence.
Hydrangeas radiate the secrets of thy flame; the rose
Becomes bashful, adoring your incandescent beauty. Alas!
I can only ponder what was, as the robin sings sad songs and
The tears of another diamond raindrop, falls gently upon the breeze.
Namaste! The Light in me, pays homage
To the Light in you. When my little ‘i’ merges
Into the Emptiness of sleepless Self, we’ll both
Blend together in harmony, for we … are One.
Yet I have always sought to savour you, like a good vintage, Grasping
Even as you remain elusive, your golden sparkle, bewildering my gaze.
- Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. 2nd December, 2020
Wisdom from the Master
"That which has to be rejected, we reject.
That which has to be transformed, we transform.
That which has to be transcended, we transcend.
In order to transcend, two things are necessary,
Personal effort and God's Grace." - Sri Chinmoy
Obeisance
© 2020 manatita44
Comments
manatita44 (author) from london on December 08, 2020:
My poetry is always inspiring you to meditate, Mary. Have you started? haha. Christmas can inspire great reflections. Thank you so much!1
Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on December 08, 2020:
Another beautiful poem, so deep, it invites me to meditate.
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on December 03, 2020:
Brenda will surely appreciate reading this. I enjoyed reading your poetic words and then enjoyed them again spoken from your own lips in the first video. Namaste to you!
manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2020:
Ah, Didi Ji,
I worked hard and you worked hard to find me and we finally meet. All gratitude to you and truly appreciate your fine sentiment!
Thank you Pamela. Trials? Oh! Never mind what I write, I wasn't thinking of any one. Just the human condition, including me. Always appreciate your support. Peace.
Chitrangada Sharan from New Delhi, India on December 03, 2020:
Namaste Manatita!
Beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Brenda.
Love simplifies everything, even the many challenges of life.
I enjoyed going through your thoughts, and your video is beautiful.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on December 03, 2020:
I am happy to read your beautiful article, with lovely poetry, as always. It is wonderful to honor Brenda. We all have our trials and mine have been plentiful over the years. Nicely done, Manatita.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2020:
Thanks Bill. Appreciated!
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on December 03, 2020:
Brenda is a prolific poet, as are you, my friend, and you are both very talented. My blessings to you both, always and forever.
manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2020:
A new version and lots of hard work! - Lantern
Rodric,
A truly sweet sentiment! Thank you so much!!
Linda C,
I'm always very delighted when you grace my page. Much Gratitude!
John Hansen from Gondwana Land on December 03, 2020:
It's working at last...good to see it is available again
manatita44 (author) from london on December 03, 2020:
Rodric Anthony
11 hours ago from Surprise, Arizona
Your poetry is so beautifully spoken. I enjoyed reading with you as you read in the video. I did not capture the full painting that you displayed in words but the flow was melodious. Thank you for letting me experience this with you.
John Hansen
11 hours ago from Queensland Australia
Beautiful and eloquent words as always, bro. A lovely homily to Brenda.
Linda Crampton
10 hours ago from British Columbia, Canada
This is a moving and thought-provoking article, Manatita. I always enjoy reading your references to nature. The article is a lovely tribute to Brenda.
