The obstacles are inexhaustible.
I vow to cut them all down.

The number of those in need is countless.
I vow to help liberate all of us.

The Truth cannot be told.
I vow to tell it.

The Way is impassible.
I vow to pass into it.

tethys

She calls,

ancient mother

breathing in and breathing out the

tides, the waves

depth and calm far, far below,

fathoms, inexhaustible;

and above

the whole of moving existence

where she dances and plays with her sister, the wind

in the waves and passions,

as she watches our cruelty, our love

in tender, endless grief:

salt-water tears her body.

She has no end

no start

just movement

constant

groundswells and

serenity

never

stopping

never

the same.

I stand in terror on the shores –

the altar to this wild and silent presence –

afraid to enter

afraid to die, battered amongst the rocks

in the storm

and yet I dive

and I am caught

in the strength of her arms –

my body a rag doll tossed about;

I struggle, desperate to escape the riptide

until I let go

and I am borne gently back;

I emerge

humbled.