Who am I to keep death from itself?
Would I push a birthing infant back inside my womb?
Stick a cork in it?
Who am I to keep death from itself?
A child, born of seed, seeks its own light
Knowing as a tree how to siphon water into its capsule
And break through the very soil, which held it to its growth
Who am I to keep death from itself?
Where does the soil for birth begin?
If not from the ashes of what has come to an end?
Who am I to keep death from myself?
Denying it, its simple goal, of life
Re: turn ing
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No, rage against the dying of the light! Ugh, thou shalt not die, or something, boo on death.
ReplyDeleteMy Margaret is dying. My dad's beloved.
ReplyDeleteAs natural as birth is... in the movement toward life, so is death (like birth) it's own natural, intelligent and necessary continuation.
ReplyDeleteOf course there are primal labor pains in death & birth of both an emotional and physical nature, it happens in ever moment we "let life go." However, the more we relax and surrender to the process- realizing and trusting the divine order, the easier and easier it is not only to release, but also to heal.
When I composed this poem, I was using death metaphorically. Reflecting on a part of my life and part of myself I have been holding with a clenched fist. Confusing stubbornness with strength - I knew that this thing in me and in my life had to die (so to speak), but I was doing everything possible to stall the process. All that came of that was more pain.
The challenge is to learn to recognize when to persist and trust or when to let go and trust. Because clearly there is a time when either/and or both are appropriate.
Death & birth are our greatest teachers. Whether it is something in ourselves we are releasing or a loved one. These events mirror each other. Neither one outweighs the other in importance and value... it's just that we tend to see one as positive and the other negative...
But what good would the out breath be, without the in breath and the in, with out the out?
Hmm - interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love your poem, Akka B. That's an understatement. What expresses as you is such a gift to those who come in contact. I'm glad we've made a connection. This is what we do, let go of what doesn't serve, embrace what does. It's an honor to be witness to your unfolding.
ReplyDeleteYou're a brave soul if you can REALLY live the bhaav of this poem! The malas of "meeeeeeeeeeeee" are so primal. I hope the gentle hands of friends, mentors, lovers, family, kula are "at your back" when you bend backwards and "offer up." (Yes, I love the little drawing!) (cycle of life?)
ReplyDeleteBrave - yes. Practicing everyday. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sentiment, Akka. I think most people find death the biggest challenge to overcome mentally and emotionally. We feel such a loss, and it's hard to think of our loss as someone else's birth.
ReplyDeleteFabulous perspective, though :)
There is great truth here...
ReplyDeletelovely.../
ReplyDelete