Winter overcomes our pleasant memories
by the chilling, damp, windy, gray mood,
time stands still, as the leafless trees cry—
even though we know spring will come
we still wonder how we’ll survive.
Now that the winter is fading
the luscious bulbs bursting forth,
I am reminded how my previous life
without a spiritual quest leading to Krishna
seemed purposeless, ominous, dark.
Winter overcomes our pleasant memories
by the chilling, damp, windy, gray mood,
time stands still, as the leafless trees cry—
even though we know spring will come
we still wonder how we’ll survive.
Now that the winter is fading
the luscious bulbs bursting forth,
I am reminded how my previous life
without a spiritual quest leading to Krishna
seemed purposeless, ominous, dark.
Materially inexplicably, in my great need
I realized what was missing from my life—
the spiritual dimension called to me
awakening hope, unheard of enthusiasm,
a willingness to travel uncharted roads.
I could feel my life’s winter ending
knowing a season of joy and blooms
was right before my eyes
if I found the right, unlocking key
to a spiritual door never dreamed of.
Somehow now, life told me, “yes!”
whereas before it was always “no!”,
so, a formally dull, confused youth
became a spiritual seeker with purpose
surprising my friends and family.
Previously, life was only boring
simply to be endured, distracted from;
now it was a mystery at ever step
to be solved and lived joyously—
I finally had a path for success.
II
Yet, even on the path of joy
of perpetual dance and song
there are still seasons to embrace
the ups and downs of spiritual practice
where we find new layers of purification.
To the tired spiritual traveler
finding the oasis of a spiritual path
we may think our work is done,
resting in peace and happiness
since we know the “Truth”.
Although we have the key
to open the door, we still must enter
where we find another journey awaits;
the inner voyage of introspection
letting go, praying, accepting discipline.
Time tests us with all around changes
externally and internally, adjustments required,
loosing the superficial, what no longer works;
deeper foundations must be discovered
eliminating the unessential, or shallow.
Initially the path to Krishna seemed
black and white, being held in our hands,
we simply repeated the magic formula
amazed at the transforming power
not anticipating the effects of our growth.
With more knowledge, realization,
an openness and yearning reveals
a nuanced, deep spiritual path
not always either–or, but sometimes both
with increased capacity, the next mountain looms.
