After dark She stepped into the candlelight
of the altar of our Lama’s smiling faces.
She led me in the ceremony
speaking of Angels…and Paradise
and bliss that never ends.
Her golden hair and the double pearls
around Her neck shimmered in the light as
She pledged to be my Messenger.
I too promised, stumbling, in awe of
Her mastery and Her generosity.
She made me take pledges of secrecy –
who could I tell? Who would believe me?
Initiation
You wish a divine life?
Disengage from ordinary life.
Throw away your calendar;
dump your appointment book;
unclasp your wristwatch.
These are only handcuffs,
blinders on the spirit –
they gag the tongue of God.
The breath of knowledge rises
when and where it pleases.
Living is itself blessing.
Dress in gratitude, and dance.
Deer Park is a garden valley
where doves and juncos
and robins play. The pileated
woodpecker whacks on a rotten fir;
at the tip of the dead madrone
the great horned owl hulks silently.
Quail families scamper, siskin
flow in flocks in the blue sky.
Ravens "Squawk!" Jays "Skreek!"
And some bird "Loo loo loo loos!" at night.
And our wind bell sings: abandon all –
in the valley of heart's delight.