Home » Poetry »
The Birds

The Birds

bellbird-woodpigeon-tui.jpg     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.

top.png

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.

    Other stories by Jogyata »
    The first time that I really understood that I had a soul
    A Mountain Meditation
    Meditation: Touching The Infinite
    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.

    Play Video

    Related stories

    Sri Chinmoy's students describe their inner and outer experiences.

    Now you are in the boat

    Kaushalya Casey Toronto, Canada

    In the Right Place, At the Right Time

    Eshana Gadjanski Novi Sad, Serbia

    The oneness of all paths - personal experiences

    Nirbhasa Magee Dublin, Ireland

    A Flame in my Heart

    Adesh Widmer Zurich, Switzerland

    The connection between Sri Chinmoy's music and my soul

    Kamalakanta Nieves New York, United States

    I know where you are

    Kamalakanta Nieves New York, United States

    Check your Front Tire

    Arpan De Angelo New York, United States

    Sri Chinmoy's opening meditation at the Parliament of World Religions

    Pradhan Balter Chicago, United States

    How my spiritual search led me to Sri Chinmoy

    Vidura Groulx Montreal, Canada

    My first Guru

    Adarini Inkei Geneva, Switzerland

    Celebrating birthdays at Guru's house

    Devashishu Torpy London, United Kingdom

    A Truckload of Humanitarian Aid Sails through Customs

    Arthada Platzgummer Vienna, Austria

    Believe, take a step and proceed: a 6-day race experience

    Susan Marshall ,

    Suggested videos

    interviews with Sri Chinmoy's students

    The greatest adventure that you can embark on

    Mahatapa Palit New York, United States

    My well-scheduled day

    Jayasalini Abramovskikh Moscow, Russia

    My daily spiritual practises

    Muslim Badami Auckland, New Zealand

    Self-transcendence in meditation

    Kailash Beyer Zurich, Switzerland

    Meditation: you make progress just by doing it

    Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand

    Starting a spiritual café

    Toshala Elliott Auckland, New Zealand

    An airport meditation experience

    Jogyata Dallas Auckland, New Zealand

    Europe

    Americas

    Oceania