This poem is about realisations. It was initially concerning my disability to breathe. (I used to be chronically asthmatic). I think it was written about 13 or 14 years ago.
ONE + ONE + ONE = ONE
I awoke one morning to a miracle -
and realised for the first time
that I am not one -
but three people.
Not that I wasn't already aware -
(as a man is aware of his children),
but this time awareness became part of me
(as a woman about to give birth).
Often I've waken'd in the early hours
with short sharp gasps of breath;
a symptom of childhood fears
and current insecurities
triggered by stresses
of substance and self.
For years I would grab for inhaler
and squirt - with a violent suck;
clutching the can like a crucifix -
savouring relief - and then sleep.
But little by little I weaned myself;
the drug just seemed so easy -
but failed to touch the root.
It was then I began to experience
my controlling self -
whose mental awareness looks back
at the body and says:
"I will master you -
you're no match for the power of my mind!
I will sit here cross-legged
and take control ;
man -you will breathe with ease!"
And so it occurred that the motor self
came under control of the driver;
machine no longer allowed to dictate,
with me sat Buddha-like
in the driver's seat for hours.
But the miracle was something entirely new -
I stooped not to drug nor control;
it occured as normal
in the small hours of morning
in that state of half-sleep -
which when peaceful is bliss.
I struggled to breathe in my motor self,
my driver continued to laze . . .
then I as the watcher
slipped tranquilly aside
to witness this miracle first hand.
I was the body - I was the mind -
and also I was the spirit.
I was the motor - I was the driver -
and I was the silent witness.
Like a car whose wheels skid on gravel,
but whose tyres will suddenly bite,
I was in the car that morning,
quietly sat in the passenger seat
just watching the miracle happen . . .
. . . and in moments
I was asleep.
a convincing depiction of exprience
i could really feel your poem sir.. my younger brother too is asthamatic.. and the realisation of the power within,i.e the power generated by the knowledge of self is what makes humans do wonders.. 10++++ certainly regards prashant
excellent, very well composed and explained each experience that you had in those moments. well done. pl see some of my poems too.
To be fully present in the now frees the ego from fear and allows the spirit space to fly. This is a thoroughly enchanting poem, Steve, written with honesty, humility and the confidence that acceptance brings. So often people regard meditation as a 'chore'. Something they 'have' to do to fix a problem - like taking evil tasting medicine. Then one day it dawns that meditation isn't hard at all. In fact it can be blissful and the body finally lets go. I call this a flash of enlightenment. Congratulations on your 'miracle' and on the graceful way you have shared it. love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
This superb piece of writing has all the magic and creativity of a poem, yet it imparts with a lesson in the true depth and capability of the human psyche - it excites me. :)
emotive, and well done.
expressed with a miracle and your joy
You expressed this very well, love the message this poem screams out. Well done.
I am very impressed with this wonderfully expressed and truly moving write, Steve, and it seems trivial to say a miracle is simply mind over matter, but in some cases, that's exactly how it beomes a miracle. This fine poem is clearly one of your best writes! Carl.
Powerful, still, tender poem. Sincere and honest. Great write!