Awakening

To see the world differently

Isn’t like a photograph

Everything changes

And nothing

Chop wood

Before and after

Enlightenment

Our muscles change

The surety in our bodies

Mildness of speech

And that hidden sense

That drinks in data

And feels the brush of water in our mind.

Like a swan and its sickly nest

Why does it go there?

Seek shelter and associate

That is what I am

The sickness

The oil slick

That stains with thick emotions

Iron on the inside.

Layer upon layer

Smile upon smile

Doubt that it’s seen

And it won’t carry me

As it grows and my concerns wane

Passion groans and hope fades

I’ll build me for me

Win what’s wanted for myself and my place

And more than a shade for you

A year or more

Months or days

To my shock and surprise

Inconvenient and welcome

Those swum dreamsongs

Feelings and flavour of your face

Perfumes and voice

Like a sinking sand

The roars of a crowd

I’m swum under before seeing the wave

Whether I have your thoughts or heart

Or whatever at all

My words and work and walks go on

For you and others to read and take

Settling into new sights of time

And starting life truly seen

Dashed amongst the sand

Amidst bitter seas

White and black thoughts in my heart

Like my words will sweep me

As sure as finding shore.

By J.W.H. Hobbs.