Letting Go Poem by David Taylor

Looking with half blind eyes
for the mislaid answer to all the lies.
If only I could see more clearly
and not just what is dear to me.

I cannot remember where I left
the spectacles that sit on my head
In my heart I know I never did
change except in what I think I know.

Like layers of an onion peeled
that give rise to heartfelt tears.
Layers of ambition tinged with apprehension
anger when one layer goes.
Wanting more and jealous of another's
seeming effortless acquisitions
of things I think I miss.

And when the onions skins are gone
the tears subside and cooking's done
it was just a mistake that I did make
to think that You had not been there
when in dismay and deep despair
I looked and searched.

What did I find only things that bind
oh how can I be so blind
The monkey with hand inside
clenching the tasty fruit he finds
cannot take out his hand
through narrow rimm'ed pot.

But if he just released his grip
freedom would again be his
as if a magic urn
had his liberty returned
So simple to just be.
Remember mind remember
the secret of success
is not having more but less.