When before I’d wandered
along the sea of the Unseen
I’d make of myself a glass
to catch every drop I was able…

Though after time’d passed
I’d look at what I’d found
And see: few attributes of
the sea had endured:

No color; no depth or richness…
Instead, I saw those parts
that fit within me:
wetness, [...]

I have seen a city
of purest light
a brilliant white
the end of night.

I did not see it
with these eyes
nor have I
any description.

It could be
mere fantasy
an errant wish,
a mirage of faith.

How do I know
if it’s real?

Look for its reflection
in the shape of hope
[...]

The teacher must first
teach himself:
more than words,
the bones of it.

Like Plato’s
men in the cave:
if one fire-watcher
tells another fire-watcher
of the sun –
this is pure fantasy;

But a philosopher
who walks back from above,
who has still sunlight on his breath:
he exhales light;
his words glow with truth discovered;
he [...]

My thoughts are like castles made from sand,
while the thoughts of the Founders are what I build upon.

If I try to preserve my castle from the elements
– wind, rain and sea –
not only is it fruitless,
but frustrating and distracting.

If instead, I do it for the inspiration
and feelings of beauty that result,
[...]

A movie plays…
Light painted on the wall
Watching intently
I find myself enthralled
What will happen?
What will they do?
The drama unfolds
Each moment new.

Till the final hour
When the lights go dark
And all is blank again
Not a single mark
Everything at once
Returns to blank space
The characters, the pagentry
Everything replaced.

[...]

All my life I’ve built
but castles of sand
Whether in my mind
or with my hands
Until destiny’s wave
shall break upon the shore
And in silent surrender
whisper, “nothing more” [...]