Moment
The mind is full
of elephants and mice
scuffling in corridors
the air is dense
with stray spirits and ghosts
swarming for soul
presence of mind
is to take a leave of absence,
revel in necessary luxury
(an idle and perfect moment)
the balletic leap and twist
of a tremulous curtain or thought;
a shifting palette of light,
the lengthening of breath
or the secret thrill
of eavesdropping-
on inner processes
and conversations.
Liberation
and, once you’ve arrived at the perimeters
of personality
that knot of contradictions, idiosyncrasies
called character
through the hall of mirrors
that comfort and distort
the liberation of undifferentiation
awaits the well-ventilated soul
pouring through open pores
what cannot be captured
you, brooding on boulder, shoulder
and impossible slope
yield to crushing truths
relinquish aches and muscles alike
relish the respite, and Return.
© Yahia Lababidi, author of Learning to Pray
