Beneath the 'Service' Tree

Beneath the 'Service' tree the pilgrims kneel,

Whose branches hold more secrets than the stars.

I saw the silent grief of life reveal

Its open wounds, innumerable scars,

And prayers that cloud-like rose with fragrant spires,

Unvoiced requests in secret letters sealed

Importuning God to grant the heart's desires,

The aspiration of the soul to yield

Beleaguered life to peace and unity.

Faces radiant from depths within

Breaking through the form-bound entity

The offering of self through discipline,

To find the truth that lies in us concealed,

The psychic light not fully broken through

The crust of ego sanctified and sealed

By mind's idolatrous and narrow view.