Gesar Sings The Song Of His Childhood: Poem by Douglas Penick

Mother, I have never known the world to be impure,
So I have never had an enemy. Mother, because there has never been an enemy,
My view is unmistaken.
Mother, I have always cherished others' happiness before my own,
So I am the child of illusion.

Mother, since I am the king of an illusory realm,
I am not anxious to accomplish anything,
So I have neither hopes nor fears.
Mother, as you can see, I am at peace.

I am your doubtless child;
This family inheritance is yours as well.
Things that frighten other people,
And things that entice those concerned with their own survival,
Look very different to my eyes,
For I see this world as the reflection in a sword blade
Which sings a beautiful song when it cuts through the sky.
Mother, look at this sword, our family heirloom,
And you will see as I do.