go your way quietly
walk the path gently
be at home
where you are
know your place
about the cyclical round
find affinity with
what you see
intimacy with what
you touch
let your sweat
mingle with soil
let the earth
form round your sole
feel the sun
burnish your brow
follow the contour
of the land
know the shape
of the leaf
gather all at
end of season
fill your hours
with worthy toil
with the tool
that forms to
your hand and
knows your command
leave no mark
where you have been
take the air
as your own
in the brief interval
accorded your time
with gratitude for
the gift of
a generous hand
that expects nothing
but humility and perseverance
in the test of endurance
Friday, February 25, 2011
Between Us
when you find this
we will be alone
in a place known only to us
where time has no bound
nor takes measure
of moments spent in silence
where words unite
two as one
you in me
I in you
David Sermersheim
we will be alone
in a place known only to us
where time has no bound
nor takes measure
of moments spent in silence
where words unite
two as one
you in me
I in you
David Sermersheim
Anthem
when debris
is cleared
and rancor
silenced a
single voice
is heard
in the
wind singing
an anthem
pf praise
to one
who know
him not
is cleared
and rancor
silenced a
single voice
is heard
in the
wind singing
an anthem
pf praise
to one
who know
him not
In All I Do
in all I do
a part of you
comes through
guiding my hand
through the labyrinth
of contradiction
ever closer to you
though unseen and
unknown in the
empty space around us
lighting the way
with a sure hand
to a place
that pulls me home
a part of you
comes through
guiding my hand
through the labyrinth
of contradiction
ever closer to you
though unseen and
unknown in the
empty space around us
lighting the way
with a sure hand
to a place
that pulls me home
If I Looked
if I looked for you
would you hide in crevice
lofty and remote
a place that does
not reveal your form
or betray your presence
if I called how
would you answer
if you are where
sound loses its way
would you be
where water does not
follow the course
outlined into its end
would you be one
of a number blending
with others who have
assumed your form
if you turned from me
I would follow you
through leaf and bramble
clearing a way in your wake
brushing all aside to
follow your footprint
into the place that
has no name
if you were found
how would you be known
unavailable to inquiry
denying affinity in identity
would you hide in crevice
lofty and remote
a place that does
not reveal your form
or betray your presence
if I called how
would you answer
if you are where
sound loses its way
would you be
where water does not
follow the course
outlined into its end
would you be one
of a number blending
with others who have
assumed your form
if you turned from me
I would follow you
through leaf and bramble
clearing a way in your wake
brushing all aside to
follow your footprint
into the place that
has no name
if you were found
how would you be known
unavailable to inquiry
denying affinity in identity
In Stillness
in stillness we
come to know
your presence within
where nothing opens
to all of
everything closing into
the moment
lost in itself
anew
______ _______
to believe
is to want
to act
is to become
one alive
in all that is
of us
and what is
yet to be
come to know
your presence within
where nothing opens
to all of
everything closing into
the moment
lost in itself
anew
______ _______
to believe
is to want
to act
is to become
one alive
in all that is
of us
and what is
yet to be
Invisible Master
I know you but
do not understand you
hear your whispers
heed your command
fear you but
do not see you
know you through
the myriad shapes
and variety in
nature’s elusive symmetry
honor your silent
presence in all
that animates us
asking for counsel
to guide the
lonely quest for
solitude and peace
do not understand you
hear your whispers
heed your command
fear you but
do not see you
know you through
the myriad shapes
and variety in
nature’s elusive symmetry
honor your silent
presence in all
that animates us
asking for counsel
to guide the
lonely quest for
solitude and peace
Winter's Eve
gentle chansons of
the season brought
forth by willing
voices sustaining lingering
phrases rung into
cold night air
grasping breath to
sustain sound a
bit longer
in the interval
given to joy in
simple things
the season brought
forth by willing
voices sustaining lingering
phrases rung into
cold night air
grasping breath to
sustain sound a
bit longer
in the interval
given to joy in
simple things
You Have Been Given
you
whom I do
not see but
hear more clearly
seem closer now
you
who chose me
and know the
one I am
surround me now
I reach for
your presence in
amber glow of dusk
hovering where I
sense your essence
grow within me now
whom I do
not see but
hear more clearly
seem closer now
you
who chose me
and know the
one I am
surround me now
I reach for
your presence in
amber glow of dusk
hovering where I
sense your essence
grow within me now
Time
at any moment
time seems without
substance or form
like air
passing between
opened fingers
sensed not seen
in the interval
between events
present in memory
among us
not of us
as a bird
tracing an arc above
erasing his shadow below
or a light
cutting a furrow
through the dark
time seems without
substance or form
like air
passing between
opened fingers
sensed not seen
in the interval
between events
present in memory
among us
not of us
as a bird
tracing an arc above
erasing his shadow below
or a light
cutting a furrow
through the dark
The Way
this is the way
I will go
for it is
the only way
I know
this is the
promise that is
kept when all
else has given out
this is all
that is left
of what was
and is no more
I look for
the light to
guide my way
to where peace
is found and
I shall be
I will go
for it is
the only way
I know
this is the
promise that is
kept when all
else has given out
this is all
that is left
of what was
and is no more
I look for
the light to
guide my way
to where peace
is found and
I shall be
Silent Presence
wherever I look
I see your image
in the flower
at dusk embedded
clouds resting above
an orange horizon
when I listen
your voice speaks
in the wind
summoning me home
I see your image
in the flower
at dusk embedded
clouds resting above
an orange horizon
when I listen
your voice speaks
in the wind
summoning me home
Search
I look --
nothing is there
speak --
no one listens
listen --
the wind speaks your name
reach --
my hand parts the air
lost --
inside my shell
I cannot --
be found among you
my soul --
wanders the barren plain
looking
for itself in another
nothing is there
speak --
no one listens
listen --
the wind speaks your name
reach --
my hand parts the air
lost --
inside my shell
I cannot --
be found among you
my soul --
wanders the barren plain
looking
for itself in another
Rubric
to believe
is to know
to understand
is to accept
to be
is to do
to know is
to embrace the unknown
to be still
is to know peace
to live is
to be at one in place
to wish
is to deny
to want is
to be deceived
to exist is
to adapt and defend
to forgive
is to accept
to love
is to forget
to question
is to learn
to save
is to wait
2.
to spend
is not to waste
to discover
is to know joy
in simple things
is to know
to understand
is to accept
to be
is to do
to know is
to embrace the unknown
to be still
is to know peace
to live is
to be at one in place
to wish
is to deny
to want is
to be deceived
to exist is
to adapt and defend
to forgive
is to accept
to love
is to forget
to question
is to learn
to save
is to wait
2.
to spend
is not to waste
to discover
is to know joy
in simple things
Of You That Has No Form
what is it
of you that
has no form
shape or sound
moving by will
and volition freely
without restraint
over limitless domain
holding me gently
within your ample bosom
releasing me to
fall free and
search for the
one I was
before time claimed
its hold to
become the one
from whom
I came
David Sermersheim
of you that
has no form
shape or sound
moving by will
and volition freely
without restraint
over limitless domain
holding me gently
within your ample bosom
releasing me to
fall free and
search for the
one I was
before time claimed
its hold to
become the one
from whom
I came
David Sermersheim
Searching
I have searched
but could not find you
in the small dark places
where still water glistens
in pools beneath sheltering pines
where seeds seek light
to bloom full flower
in the image of your vision
I have listened for you
in the place where silent appeals
ring from empty souls
seeking peace
where time has lost
all trace of measure
and meaning does not
question what it does not know
where movement is stilled
in motion and cause
is without consequence
where vision knows
no limit and belief
is faith in what it
does not understand
or question what it
cannot see or know
and withered hands
caress virtue wrapped
in humble petition
and silent prayer
David Sermersheim
but could not find you
in the small dark places
where still water glistens
in pools beneath sheltering pines
where seeds seek light
to bloom full flower
in the image of your vision
I have listened for you
in the place where silent appeals
ring from empty souls
seeking peace
where time has lost
all trace of measure
and meaning does not
question what it does not know
where movement is stilled
in motion and cause
is without consequence
where vision knows
no limit and belief
is faith in what it
does not understand
or question what it
cannot see or know
and withered hands
caress virtue wrapped
in humble petition
and silent prayer
David Sermersheim
Search
I look --
nothing is there
speak --
no one listens
listen --
the wind speaks your name
reach --
my hand parts the air
lost --
inside my shell
I cannot --
be found among you
my soul --
wanders the barren plain
looking
for itself in another
David Sermersheim
nothing is there
speak --
no one listens
listen --
the wind speaks your name
reach --
my hand parts the air
lost --
inside my shell
I cannot --
be found among you
my soul --
wanders the barren plain
looking
for itself in another
David Sermersheim
If They Come To Look For Me
if they look
look for me
I shall be spread
full and wide
beneath the silver beech tree
with nettles in my hair
and stars for a crown
I shall lie awake and
know the sound
ringing about these bounds
gaze at stars as
new as dew
sparkling on wet blades
of new grass
sample the heady draft
of spring riding on
air-drifts subtle as
a child’s innocent kiss
on a moist cheek
look for me
I shall be spread
full and wide
beneath the silver beech tree
with nettles in my hair
and stars for a crown
I shall lie awake and
know the sound
ringing about these bounds
gaze at stars as
new as dew
sparkling on wet blades
of new grass
sample the heady draft
of spring riding on
air-drifts subtle as
a child’s innocent kiss
on a moist cheek
Living Flame
living flame
breathe the life
of your light
into my weary soul
cover me with
the warmth of
your gentle glow
lead me to
the center of
the flame that
has fled me
now as I
flounder and grapple
with remaining strength
ebbing from the core
unable to find
what has flown
from me
guide me to
the inner source
of light burning brighter
as it grows weaker
David Sermersheim
breathe the life
of your light
into my weary soul
cover me with
the warmth of
your gentle glow
lead me to
the center of
the flame that
has fled me
now as I
flounder and grapple
with remaining strength
ebbing from the core
unable to find
what has flown
from me
guide me to
the inner source
of light burning brighter
as it grows weaker
David Sermersheim
Hymn
let the song possess you
its sound pass through you
let the air move round you
light burn into you
let us sing with joy of simple things
and good dwelling within
let us move gently when we tread
touching all in cheer and fond remembering
carrying images of those who
came before and rest within
David Sermersheim
its sound pass through you
let the air move round you
light burn into you
let us sing with joy of simple things
and good dwelling within
let us move gently when we tread
touching all in cheer and fond remembering
carrying images of those who
came before and rest within
David Sermersheim
Come, Let Us Go
come
let us go
to a place
I know where
night rises into
opened heavens
stars set diamonds
in the blue-black
sky and
none need know
the reason why
David Sermersheim
let us go
to a place
I know where
night rises into
opened heavens
stars set diamonds
in the blue-black
sky and
none need know
the reason why
David Sermersheim
But Once
we look but do not see
what comes but once
in its time then gone
as we move and assume
it will come again
next time round
only to miss what
cannot be if time and
place are not one again
when wonder unfolds in
subtle glimpse of first light
as if all changed in the night
forsythia budded blossomed
and flowered luminous
before my eyes but I
was blind to see
deaf to hear what
came and was so near
ignorant to know
the miracle of awe
before its time had gone
in days of haste
that held little interest
or surprise of what
should have been seen
and remembered before
its hour had passed
David Sermersheim
what comes but once
in its time then gone
as we move and assume
it will come again
next time round
only to miss what
cannot be if time and
place are not one again
when wonder unfolds in
subtle glimpse of first light
as if all changed in the night
forsythia budded blossomed
and flowered luminous
before my eyes but I
was blind to see
deaf to hear what
came and was so near
ignorant to know
the miracle of awe
before its time had gone
in days of haste
that held little interest
or surprise of what
should have been seen
and remembered before
its hour had passed
David Sermersheim
In A Single Hand
In A Single Hand
we make what
will become one
in the care
of a single hand
knowing not why
it is as
it becomes in
the care of
a single hand
shaping what is
given mending what
is torn in
the care of
a single hand
fusing binding bending
in fire at
the end of tong
and hammer shaped
by the will
of a single hand
naming what cannot
be claimed making
its mark in the
care of a single hand
calling to order
silencing the rancor
of angry voices
by will of
a single hand
singing the song
that is yours alone
in the sound
of a single voice
David Sermersheim
we make what
will become one
in the care
of a single hand
knowing not why
it is as
it becomes in
the care of
a single hand
shaping what is
given mending what
is torn in
the care of
a single hand
fusing binding bending
in fire at
the end of tong
and hammer shaped
by the will
of a single hand
naming what cannot
be claimed making
its mark in the
care of a single hand
calling to order
silencing the rancor
of angry voices
by will of
a single hand
singing the song
that is yours alone
in the sound
of a single voice
David Sermersheim
Speak To Me
Speak to Me
speak to me of symbols
strong and enduring
of courage in
face of fear
valor in the
smell of death
solace in the
terror of night
strength when
all falls away
knowledge in
the midst of ignorance
reason in the
clamor of irrationality
patience in
the company of anger
of grace and hope
against desperation
love’s persistent
ache to endure
of gain against loss
and triumph over adversity
of last times
past smiles
easy laughter and
unbounded joy
in celebration of
simple things
of forgiveness and
mercy over despair
humility and honor in
celebration and momentary triumph
of purity in
the essence of clarity
of creative invention
true to its ideals
unstained by the
rush of vain conceit
of the futility in
hate and revenge
of loss hidden
in the void of silence
of strength in
persistence and endurance
of loss hidden
the quality of mercy
in the virtue of forgiveness
the simple design
in the symbol of peace
the grace of healing
in the clutch of pain and despair
the power of regeneration
in life’s mysterious cycle
David Sermersheim
speak to me of symbols
strong and enduring
of courage in
face of fear
valor in the
smell of death
solace in the
terror of night
strength when
all falls away
knowledge in
the midst of ignorance
reason in the
clamor of irrationality
patience in
the company of anger
of grace and hope
against desperation
love’s persistent
ache to endure
of gain against loss
and triumph over adversity
of last times
past smiles
easy laughter and
unbounded joy
in celebration of
simple things
of forgiveness and
mercy over despair
humility and honor in
celebration and momentary triumph
of purity in
the essence of clarity
of creative invention
true to its ideals
unstained by the
rush of vain conceit
of the futility in
hate and revenge
of loss hidden
in the void of silence
of strength in
persistence and endurance
of loss hidden
the quality of mercy
in the virtue of forgiveness
the simple design
in the symbol of peace
the grace of healing
in the clutch of pain and despair
the power of regeneration
in life’s mysterious cycle
David Sermersheim
The Unanswered Question
I answer your call
sounding through
the hollow valley
in dread silence of night
you do not hear
my feeble reply
hanging on the wind
echoing in the void
that widens between us
your voice hovers
tied into a knot
closing in on itself
drifting in the folds
of silence
_____ _____
if it is
part of another
we seek we
shall wander bewildered
passing one other
along a winding way
that reaches into itself
the riddle has
untied itself from
the unanswered question
sounding through
the hollow valley
in dread silence of night
you do not hear
my feeble reply
hanging on the wind
echoing in the void
that widens between us
your voice hovers
tied into a knot
closing in on itself
drifting in the folds
of silence
_____ _____
if it is
part of another
we seek we
shall wander bewildered
passing one other
along a winding way
that reaches into itself
the riddle has
untied itself from
the unanswered question
The More I Know
The More I know
the more I grow
the less I
know the nature
of simple things
peace does not quell
the unquiet heart
that finds small reason
to stop and fail
and yet I see
what is to be
in measured turn
couched in mystery
grateful to be given
one more day
to move and make
in my separate way
what I lay store by
is a calm nest
and a comfortable
place to rest
what is to be does
not concern me nor
do I make false claim
for what cannot be
I make my way
in measured stride
awkward fearful and shy
watching each step fall aside
unsure as the first
now with none to catch
the faltering course
that late I set
in earnest stride
onward and upward
toward the crest
that remote was met
bearing witness
to those who fell
short of a mark
that haunts us well
I hold no promise
for what may be
of what once was
in great abundancy
of dreams that fell
in endless cascades
on death of promise
and work undone
no place for dreamers
in a land of schemers
with clansmen and club men
to abide fool’s company
David Sermersheim
the more I grow
the less I
know the nature
of simple things
peace does not quell
the unquiet heart
that finds small reason
to stop and fail
and yet I see
what is to be
in measured turn
couched in mystery
grateful to be given
one more day
to move and make
in my separate way
what I lay store by
is a calm nest
and a comfortable
place to rest
what is to be does
not concern me nor
do I make false claim
for what cannot be
I make my way
in measured stride
awkward fearful and shy
watching each step fall aside
unsure as the first
now with none to catch
the faltering course
that late I set
in earnest stride
onward and upward
toward the crest
that remote was met
bearing witness
to those who fell
short of a mark
that haunts us well
I hold no promise
for what may be
of what once was
in great abundancy
of dreams that fell
in endless cascades
on death of promise
and work undone
no place for dreamers
in a land of schemers
with clansmen and club men
to abide fool’s company
David Sermersheim
None In One
None In One
I look
but do not see
reach but
cannot touch
eat but
do not taste
move but
remain in place
pull together but
nothing joins
speak but
no one listens
listen but
hear silence
I am form
without definition
I embrace
one part of nothing
what is
will not last
what comes is
yet to be
I am at one
with shifting wind
blowing dry leaves
over barren soil
I have become
none in one
whom I do
not know
I look
but do not see
reach but
cannot touch
eat but
do not taste
move but
remain in place
pull together but
nothing joins
speak but
no one listens
listen but
hear silence
I am form
without definition
I embrace
one part of nothing
what is
will not last
what comes is
yet to be
I am at one
with shifting wind
blowing dry leaves
over barren soil
I have become
none in one
whom I do
not know
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday
vigil witness kept
wrapped in the
amnion of spring’s
emerging hour
dark silence hovering
midst glow of
humble flame flickering
auras of visions imagined
bearing witness to
sempeternal legend
renewed in season’s
cycle
suffused in miracle
transcendent
defying witness and
presence willed or
imagined
sustained as flame
in faith and mystery
amorphic in form
and matter
to supplicant
unworthy of
proof or verification
David Sermersheim
vigil witness kept
wrapped in the
amnion of spring’s
emerging hour
dark silence hovering
midst glow of
humble flame flickering
auras of visions imagined
bearing witness to
sempeternal legend
renewed in season’s
cycle
suffused in miracle
transcendent
defying witness and
presence willed or
imagined
sustained as flame
in faith and mystery
amorphic in form
and matter
to supplicant
unworthy of
proof or verification
David Sermersheim
Let Us Go
Let Us Go
let us go
you and I
to where the
water meets the sky
and be one again
before all is done
and winter’s dim dark chill
draws down hard and fast
and we cower
from each sullen blast
of rancor hurled
in hostile fling
against what endures
through tentative hour
while waning dreams
fade faster than
feeble ambition
can sustain
abiding the angular course
to quiet realms
of solemn darkness
in peace
David Sermersheim
let us go
you and I
to where the
water meets the sky
and be one again
before all is done
and winter’s dim dark chill
draws down hard and fast
and we cower
from each sullen blast
of rancor hurled
in hostile fling
against what endures
through tentative hour
while waning dreams
fade faster than
feeble ambition
can sustain
abiding the angular course
to quiet realms
of solemn darkness
in peace
David Sermersheim
Here/Now
Here/Now
what is here is of now
and shall be no more
what came was right for its time
and shall not return
nothing shall return save memory
to catch fleeting moments in fantasy
what you hold is
held by you in its time
what is said flies into the
cyclical current of shifting winds
what begins in innocence
ends in ignorance and delusion
the world belongs to those who know
the vagaries of time and chance
the world is denied those
who wait for their moment
night belongs to those who know
the continuity of silence
in tranquility and peace
David Sermersheim
what is here is of now
and shall be no more
what came was right for its time
and shall not return
nothing shall return save memory
to catch fleeting moments in fantasy
what you hold is
held by you in its time
what is said flies into the
cyclical current of shifting winds
what begins in innocence
ends in ignorance and delusion
the world belongs to those who know
the vagaries of time and chance
the world is denied those
who wait for their moment
night belongs to those who know
the continuity of silence
in tranquility and peace
David Sermersheim
Offering
Offering
let the wind enfold you
the waters calm and cleanse you
the sky open its breadth to you
and the winged ones
soaring into the light
of a new day
tracing your shadow along the way
unwinding before you
let your soul be shaped by
the seams of native stone
in the soil holding
the shape of your sole
and your cloak conform to the
angular disposition of
the difficult hours
into the sun
carrying you home
David Sermersheim
let the wind enfold you
the waters calm and cleanse you
the sky open its breadth to you
and the winged ones
soaring into the light
of a new day
tracing your shadow along the way
unwinding before you
let your soul be shaped by
the seams of native stone
in the soil holding
the shape of your sole
and your cloak conform to the
angular disposition of
the difficult hours
into the sun
carrying you home
David Sermersheim
Aura of First Light
Aura of First Light
movement ceases
making the slow turn
around a curve
toward the outer edge
outlining a tenuous border
where thought mingles
with damp vapors
rising from the dew
of freshly cut grass
glowing in the aura
of first light
standing there transfixed
inhaling the elixir
of a slowly receding dream
becoming a phantom
in the gauzy mist
of imagination
wrung dry of what mattered
a moment before wondering
when you were here
movement ceases
making the slow turn
around a curve
toward the outer edge
outlining a tenuous border
where thought mingles
with damp vapors
rising from the dew
of freshly cut grass
glowing in the aura
of first light
standing there transfixed
inhaling the elixir
of a slowly receding dream
becoming a phantom
in the gauzy mist
of imagination
wrung dry of what mattered
a moment before wondering
when you were here
Vigil
Vigil
silently they sit
wrapped in the
flickering glow of
preordained mystery
forming visions in
ambrosial air
redolent in ritual
intoning incantations
deep within a void
transforming sun-drenched
moments into miracles
effused in the violet
gauze of electric vibrancy
tingling at fingertip’s urge
to probe the unseen
manifold wonder
tremulous on revelations’
edge awaiting union
with an invisible aura
palpable as faith’s oracle
encircling edge of breath
David Sermersheim
silently they sit
wrapped in the
flickering glow of
preordained mystery
forming visions in
ambrosial air
redolent in ritual
intoning incantations
deep within a void
transforming sun-drenched
moments into miracles
effused in the violet
gauze of electric vibrancy
tingling at fingertip’s urge
to probe the unseen
manifold wonder
tremulous on revelations’
edge awaiting union
with an invisible aura
palpable as faith’s oracle
encircling edge of breath
David Sermersheim
Notes To An Unkown
Notes To An Unknown
III
as I resist
so am I drawn
toward what beckons
from a place
shrouded in dim memory
lost and forgotten
where someone speaks words
unknown to me
of what cannot be said
when will lost its way
David Sermersheim
III
as I resist
so am I drawn
toward what beckons
from a place
shrouded in dim memory
lost and forgotten
where someone speaks words
unknown to me
of what cannot be said
when will lost its way
David Sermersheim
Visitation
Visitation
he sits
waiting for the voice
to speak the words
fill the empty space
of memory
frozen in its place
lost in its time
firm solitary and free
it speaks
of what is not heard
from that not written
against its time
from a place
solitary firm and free
the voice
is not consumed
in itself
lost on false intent
or stalled in the
space between silence
solitary firm and free
he waits
for the images to settle
call his name
reveal themselves
shaping sounds into
symbols carried from their
time into this place
firm solitary and free
David Sermersheim
he sits
waiting for the voice
to speak the words
fill the empty space
of memory
frozen in its place
lost in its time
firm solitary and free
it speaks
of what is not heard
from that not written
against its time
from a place
solitary firm and free
the voice
is not consumed
in itself
lost on false intent
or stalled in the
space between silence
solitary firm and free
he waits
for the images to settle
call his name
reveal themselves
shaping sounds into
symbols carried from their
time into this place
firm solitary and free
David Sermersheim
Voces Intimae II
Voces Intimae II
your mysteries unfold
with each turn
into the hidden realm
deep within us
each rotation of your
mien yields more
of the silent unknown
behind the veil of desire
waiting in the space
of a breath between us
none know who we are
as we drift in the
salmon sky whispering
secrets into the rush
of wind between us
David Sermersheim
your mysteries unfold
with each turn
into the hidden realm
deep within us
each rotation of your
mien yields more
of the silent unknown
behind the veil of desire
waiting in the space
of a breath between us
none know who we are
as we drift in the
salmon sky whispering
secrets into the rush
of wind between us
David Sermersheim
Paean To The Other
Paean To The Other
If I probe too deeply
I will pierce the membrane
and the search will end
where it began
If I speak your name
my throat will be parched
with dust gathering my
inquiries into vanity and shame
If I look into your eyes
I will be blinded by the
sacral nature of simple things
reflected in a mottled mask of parody
Listening for your voice in
rustling leaves at dusk
I recoil in sorrow
at unyielding compromise
If you appear
I will cleanse my hands
of the grime of idle pursuit
If we meet how will I know your name
wondering where I can turn
in the cyclical vacuity of night.
David Sermersheim
If I probe too deeply
I will pierce the membrane
and the search will end
where it began
If I speak your name
my throat will be parched
with dust gathering my
inquiries into vanity and shame
If I look into your eyes
I will be blinded by the
sacral nature of simple things
reflected in a mottled mask of parody
Listening for your voice in
rustling leaves at dusk
I recoil in sorrow
at unyielding compromise
If you appear
I will cleanse my hands
of the grime of idle pursuit
If we meet how will I know your name
wondering where I can turn
in the cyclical vacuity of night.
David Sermersheim
Homage
Homage
“You must learn first to listen...”
W.S.M.
Your words speak to me
when silence melds
with the mist of night
obscuring the uncharted
path through the labyrinth
of a ‘dead language’
alive in your hands
shaping a vision into energy
and form in the
moment reborn.
Suspended in radiance
speaking simply and clearly
your voice resonates
through vibrant images
alive with the timbre
of unspoken words
indelible as your print
on opened soil.
David Sermersheim
“You must learn first to listen...”
W.S.M.
Your words speak to me
when silence melds
with the mist of night
obscuring the uncharted
path through the labyrinth
of a ‘dead language’
alive in your hands
shaping a vision into energy
and form in the
moment reborn.
Suspended in radiance
speaking simply and clearly
your voice resonates
through vibrant images
alive with the timbre
of unspoken words
indelible as your print
on opened soil.
David Sermersheim
Blessings
Blessings
let what flies
soar to the
limits of its
vision into
distant horizons
let all seek
what eludes their
grasp and lies
beyond envy and
fear of the unknown
let none wish
for what will
be denied in
the waning hour
of late season
let all find
the private reserve
of peace nestled
in the web
of simple things
let what flies
soar to the
limits of its
vision into
distant horizons
let all seek
what eludes their
grasp and lies
beyond envy and
fear of the unknown
let none wish
for what will
be denied in
the waning hour
of late season
let all find
the private reserve
of peace nestled
in the web
of simple things
Sitting
Sitting
Master:
you ask me to be still
observe the bush
but I do not know
what it is I am to see
you tell me to wait
listen with my eyes
see with my ears but
I am deaf and blind
you tell me to wait
something will happen
I see nothing hear silence
the light grows dim
you tell me to become the bush
to be inside it to know it
I do not know
how this is to be done
I am humble and know
that I cannot be
one like you
my soul does not soar
I see a yellow bush
swaying in its fullness
there seems to be
much work to be done.
David Sermersheim
Master:
you ask me to be still
observe the bush
but I do not know
what it is I am to see
you tell me to wait
listen with my eyes
see with my ears but
I am deaf and blind
you tell me to wait
something will happen
I see nothing hear silence
the light grows dim
you tell me to become the bush
to be inside it to know it
I do not know
how this is to be done
I am humble and know
that I cannot be
one like you
my soul does not soar
I see a yellow bush
swaying in its fullness
there seems to be
much work to be done.
David Sermersheim
Prayer
Prayer
Sound of sorrow
find me,
guide me.
Sound of silence
conceal me,
console me.
Sound of solace
soothe me,
cover me.
Sound of joy
lift me,
transcend me.
Let the song
possess me;
sound pass
through me.
Let the air
move ‘round me
and light pass
over me.
Let peace
be the sound
of joy in
silence between sound.
Sound of sorrow
find me,
guide me.
Sound of silence
conceal me,
console me.
Sound of solace
soothe me,
cover me.
Sound of joy
lift me,
transcend me.
Let the song
possess me;
sound pass
through me.
Let the air
move ‘round me
and light pass
over me.
Let peace
be the sound
of joy in
silence between sound.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Compline
Compline
all things have been
done this day
and all was made
right in its way
none have been left astray
to find their way
to what lies yet
to mind and mend
time now to listen
learn and observe
what lies within reach
for all to conserve
and measure out
full secure and well
what comes but once
if one can tell
David Sermersheim
all things have been
done this day
and all was made
right in its way
none have been left astray
to find their way
to what lies yet
to mind and mend
time now to listen
learn and observe
what lies within reach
for all to conserve
and measure out
full secure and well
what comes but once
if one can tell
David Sermersheim
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