Awakening

The dread of pain
dawning on the mind
dragging the heart
sinking the stomach

The dread is so great
that the snake unfolds its hood
the snake that was previously a swan
floating on a blissful lake
touching gently all that it meets
only sweet notes arising

The dread, stones becoming boulders
again & again raining in, as years go by
the snake determined to protect his swan
till the swan is hidden by the coils
of the emboldened, empowered snake
the swan that blossoms now
only in solitude.

The snake wrings, wraps & hisses
at the hint of a pebble
But the swan is watching now
Trying to break free 
from what was once her protector

He writhes without her consent
in mindless fury
Buried under him, solitude is the only way
to ensure she still lives.

If she does break free, can she survive?
without the snake
she has to become translucent
to wisps of sweet smelling ether
through which all can pass
none can stay
engulfing the world
in sandalwood laden bliss.

Half an eye

I shall not reveal all of that I am,
Lest I be shamed for my play

I shall not spread my wings for all to see
Lest I be put in my place

I shall not bring forth my small successes
Lest I be reminded, how small they are

I shall not open my heart
Lest I be told that I should be someone else

I look within, because without, has failed me child
I show only that which I know
will be a clap on my back
because all else, is a rejection
of my tries, my failures, my lessons.