The test is constancy –
the proof, the constant heart.
See that pair who walk across the park -
from the back, it’s difficult to see their age –
they walk as if there’s nowhere now to go;
for they’re so still, inside themselves; they’re joined
by that shared stillness. Now and then they glance
deep into each other’s eyes – seeing there,
a constancy. Their hearts – you see it – are at rest.
They can remember with an inner smile
how when they met, they put on every charm
to seek to catch each other for themselves;
now they dive, swim, laugh, at rest
within each other's still, warm constancy.
See them walk and laugh their way
across the park; across their life.
* * *
See now over there, the man who stands,
talking quietly, with observant eye;
a group of boys around him who
can think of nothing else but listening:
he’s still, he’s standing sure within himself.
He’s just too far away for you to hear the words he says;
and yet you know – he’s constant in himself,
he’s constant in all that he gives to them.
They’ve found a wise man, and they’re listening.
* * *
The test is constancy –
The proof, the constant heart.
(with acknowledgements to Shantananda Saraswati)
I especially like the portrayal of the life-cycle of love, here, Mikey: They can remember with an inner smile how when they met, they put on every charm to seek to catch each other for themselves; now they dive, swim, laugh, at rest within each other's still, warm constancy. See them walk and laugh their way across the park; across their life. Cracking lines. Love, Gina.
You're wise beyond your years Michael. A grand insightful piece.
Michael - this bowled me over. Nothing to add to the comment that this is, to me, the perfect poem.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
This is a lovely piece Micheal. Details are unneeded it is the moment that counts. A wonderful snapshot as if by some omniencent narrator whosees and understands all.