Russia and India I know the music of the Russian soul And the mystic substance of the Russian heart. In dim cathedrals filled with frankincense, Lit by candles flickering in the dark I chanted prayers so deeply stained with grief, These lamentations that would move the dead In mortal plaints surpassing loveliness Whose voices could support the cosmos' weight. I have seen the courage and the strength of will That survived invading hordes and will survive Religion and the dogmas of the church. For Russia's land is the Motherland. Already her children have heard the inner call Of India and sailed to those vast shores, To seek the occult w

There is a Land There is a land where only soul can go A galaxy beyond the farthest star A garden of light that every child would know, Close within we think it daunting far And yet it calls to us like a heaven-bird But blind we see it not and rarely hear The still small voice of the Eternal Word Its sweetest strains so gentle on the ear That listens through the silence for the sound Chanting within the tortured human breast; No peace shall be until that Peace is found No joy retain until in That we rest.

The Path that Leads to the Undying Ray Untroubled by the turmoil of time's seas, Unmoving when the winds of fate blow down And cast his ship toward an unknown shore, Beleaguered and beset by evil sown, Adrift between the known and the unknown And smote by sorrow to his being's core, It is in signal moments such as these When all life seems a riddle in a play And night is but the obverse coin of day An inner guidance counsels him to find Beyond the fixed perimeter of mind The path that leads to the undying ray.

Lightning Strike An otherworldly light, Fills each darkened room The glaring lightning strike Making day of night But not dispelling gloom. Thunder cracks and roars Throws bolts upon my roof And crashes through the sky Raining arrows on my doors But I am shatterproof.

Offering (To Mary Helen on Her Birthday).htm To Mary Helen - On her birthday - Feb. 8, 1998 Offering What offering can I bring thee to celebrate this year? For flowers surround thee with fragrance and beauty is ever near. The torch of thy soul grows brighter with every returning day And thy love and wisdom guide us as we tread the upward way. In a life so filled with richness yet reaching to greater light Thy calm and gentle radiance dissipates the night. What gift could I hope to give thee who gives such gifts to me, But a prayer that this sacred communion live for

The Mystical Rose (Mother’s Birthday).htm The Mystical Rose - Mother's Birthday - Feb. 21, 1998 I never knew the rose. She waited, silent and fair, Her heavenly fragrance close Perfuming terrestrial air. Through sixty sacred years I've felt her presence grow, And now through joyous tears Embrace the rose I know.

A Prayer to Mother and Sri Aurobindo on Mary Helen's birthday - Feb. 8, 1998 Touch her tonight O Lord, Descend to her here on earth And whisper the mystic word At this moment of her rebirth. Inspire her spirit to rise To thy feet in loveliness Upon her sleep-filled eyes Bestow thy tender caress That she might wake in wonder, Renewed on her silent way Walk through storm and thunder Unmoved by the karmic play. If my voice can reach thee I pray thee answer my prayer That she whom you've given to teach me May breathe thy celestial air.

There Is No Night  Dec. 2002 From glacial vasts to equatorial shores The spirit moves by distance undeterred Ever seeking the path of light explores The higher realms; a voice now faintly heard Whispers softly to the attentive ear "Come, take refuge in my house of light Reject desire, cast away all fear, Know that I am all, there is no night Though seeming far to you I am so near."

Winter Haiku - Scroll VIII Frozen lake. Shall my feet Test the thickness of the ice? The frozen sun Weak and pale Blinds my eyesthe sparkling snow! Winter flower, Testament That life beyond our death endures. Hardy snowdrops, Blossoms pure Wake me from my sorrow's sleep.

When 'Transformation' Flowers Fell.htm For my beloved Mary Helen When * 'Transformation' Flowers Fell Dec. 6, 2002 I remembered thee in morning light When 'Transformation' flowers fell Andin the Bay of Bengal's night Whose eternal waters rise and swell In waves entranced by moon-delight That break upon these timeless shores. I marked thee in the song-bird's flight And shared with earth her deep remorse When beauty fled the anguished soil That felt no more a well-loved tread Or gentle hands of cheerful toil Where on thy gracious presence shed.