The Birds
Untouched by other worlds
they preen in high-up haven boughs
scramble upside down
in shadowed leaves and light.
All day long
the murmur of indolent birds.
In the musket blaze
of flowering kowhai
bellbirds flit and gorge
on pendulums of clustered
yellow trumpets.
Chatterbox larks
rise up to their aerial kingdom,
orbit in blue meadows
proclaim from their high up pulpits.
But no one is listening.
Waders stalk the hem of sea—
white-laced and whispering
its same old cadences and songs-
and look, an ocean wanderer
come to rest
bleached bones, ragged feather flag
a broken yellow wing.
Here on these black sands
that were once mountains
everything finds its end.
I once held your hands here
the thin bones
while you wept all
your griefs at the sea.
Oh my dear
Oh my dear
At dusk the bats will reign.
– Jogyata.
About the author
Jogyata Dallas
Auckland, New Zealand
Jogyata has given classes and talks on meditation for the general public for over 30 years, both in New Zealand and around the world. He has published a collection of stories about his experiences as a student of Sri Chinmoy.
Video »
In this interview, Jogyata talks about how his life journey led him to meditation and spirituality, and how it has changed his perspective on so many things. Part of the 'Seeker's Journey' series of interviews.
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