Kiai!

At times my shout is like the search pole and the shadow grass.

Being nearly blind,

Groping in the dark,

My restless soul strikes

The stone walls of life

Hoping to see a spark.

My only tool, this blunt,

Tired mind, stubborn,

Rebellious, always looking

For a fight, would not cease

If not for his companion

The heart.

 

Though she seeks not,

What the mind craves,

She has already found.

The walls I failed to break

Fall away at her

Gentle smile.

She is the door the mind assails

But cannot break down.

Thought stands back.

Kiai!

The soft defeats the hard.

 

 

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

Very perceptive, this one. As an old Tai Chi practitioner, I can appreciate the philosophy put forth here.

[Lorry]

Doesn't it always Laz?
There is a particular saying known the world over of "they could start a fight in an empty house", which age has very kindly translated for me to "there is no one left to fight or argue with, so please kindly stop trying, as when you least expect it, she will find a way to soften the rough and make your thoughts smooth again."

[jacob erin-cilberto]

sometimes the most tired minds can get a second wind, and a gentle love can break the down the most impenetrable wall.
I think my soul is getting restless in my older age. The heart has already had its fight.
Good poem, Laz.

j.

[Buddhistboy73]

Thanks for sharing this inspirational and emotive poem...

Kiai! Sounds like a warrior's battle cry or something....
I like the way the poem goes from a struggle to a more hopeful path....

These are my favourite lines:

The walls I failed to break
Fall away at her
Gentle smile.

BB73