69: A Divine Dialogue

Creative Expression: Found Poem

This post is in the format of a Found Poem - the words in italics, bold, or underline are words taken directly from the verse and/or purport. The words in standard font are my own words. 

A Divine Dialogue 

(Chapter 11, Text 44, 53, 54)

You are the Supreme Lord, 

to be worshiped by every living being. 

But I have shoved You away

My lip curled in a sneer 

Time after time. 

Still you come back to me

Time after time

Your eyes fixed on mine

waiting for me to turn to You

with soft eyes.

One day 

the realization pierces the armor of my heart

and I see that

You are the Supreme Lord, 

to be worshiped by every living being. 

So I fall down to offer You my respectful obeisances 

and ask Your mercy.

Please forgive me

 As a father tolerates the impudence of his son, 

a friend the impertinence of a friend, 

or a husband the familiarity of his wife, 

please tolerate the wrongs I may have done You.

With soft eyes, you tell me

"I cannot be understood simply 

by studying the Vedas, 

nor by undergoing serious penances, 

nor by charity, 

nor by worship.

These efforts are iron coins 

in the currency of your heart," 

You say,

"Worthless to me.

I desire the gold of your heart

undivided devotional service.

You stand before me

to beg forgiveness

and my own heart meets yours

in this way

I can be understood as I am, 

standing before you, 

and can thus be seen directly. 

Only in this way 

With the gold of your heart -

humility, gentleness, service, love - 

can you enter into the mysteries 

of My understanding."