Stepping Stones
Come, take my hand, the road is long
We must travel by stepping stones.
No, you're not alone, I'll go with you.
I know the road well, I've been there.
Don't fear the darkness, I'll be with you.
We must take one step at a time.
But remember, we may have to stop awhile,
It is a long way to the other side
And there are many obstacles.
We have many stones to cross, some are bigger than
others.
Shock, denial, and anger to start.
Then comes guilt, despair and loneliness.
It's a hard road to travel, but it must be done.
It's the only way to reach the other side.
Come, slip your hand in mine.
What? Oh yes, it's strong, I've held so many hands
like yours.
Once, you see, I had to take someone's hand
In order to take the first step.
Oops! You've stumbled; go ahead and cry,
Don't be ashamed, I understand.
Let's wait here awhile and get your breath.
When you're stronger we'll go on, one step at a time.
There's no need to hurry.
Say, it's nice to hear you laugh.
Yes, I agree, The memories you shared are good.
Look, we're halfway there now.
I can see the other side,
It looks so warm and sunny.
Oh, have you noticed, we're nearing the last stone
and you're standing alone!
And look, your hand, you've let go of mine!
We've reached the other side.
But wait, look back, someone is standing there.
They are alone and want to cross the stepping stones.
I'd better go, they need my help.
What? Are you sure?
Why, yes, go ahead, I'll wait. You know the way,
you've been there.
Yes, I agree, it's your turn, my friend,
To help someone else cross the stepping stones.
I Am Healing
My friends, be patient with me,
For I have suffered a grievous wound
and I know not whether to live or die.
Do not judge me weak
for if you, too, were felled
by these wounds you most
likely could not, yourself, prevail.
Know that I am striving to rise again,
and yet my scrambling feet
find little purchase
on this steep slope of despair
Think well of me,
and do not scrutinize the patterns of my steps.
I seek now merely to stand upright
and cannot yet, perform the dance you do.
Still, I go on and one day soon
I may feel again the rythm
that you move to.
And on that day
do you clasp my eager hands
and join me in the joyful dance of life.
When I Change
When I change into an elephant or a flea
Whatever the gods want me to be
I will search the land low and high
To once again be close by--- Makato Bhakta
