you sad
you should know
that it does
not know
you.
― Kabir
Kabir with a disciple
Kabir was an Indian mystic poet and saint who lived circa 1440–1518.
I have been thinking ...
by Kabir
I have been thinking of the difference between water
and the waves on it. Rising,
water's still water, falling back,
it is water, will you give me a hint
how to tell them apart?
Because someone has made up the word
"wave," do I have to distinguish it from water?
There is a Secret One inside us;
the planets in all the galaxies
pass through his hands like beads.
************
Keri is the Poetry Friday round-up host this week.
Next week, I will be inviting participation in my Directory of Imaginary Poems!
Because someone has made up the word "wave"...
ReplyDeleteIt took me a little bit to see how the last part fit.
Thanks for sharing this!
Hi, Tabatha. Thank you for that opening quote. I see a loose resonance with my post today on the words we use to describe people.
ReplyDeleteI see Laura has been here, because I too saw a connection between your poem and the words about naming things. Thanks, Tabatha.
ReplyDeleteThere are many special connections going on today, I think - having come from Jama's, then Michelle's - I still have many rounds to make (including Laura's), but what thoughtful posts. Tabatha, thank you for introducing me to this mystic poet I didn't know - that last stanza is beyond beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHow do you find all these amazing poets? Love that last stanza too. I'm turning it over and over in my mind . . .
ReplyDeleteWhere can I get one of those Indian mystics for my very own? Love how, with just a few words, perspective is turned on its head.
ReplyDeleteWow. It's so intriguingly concrete and mind-blowing. I also really like the beginning about the mirror--you should know/that it does/not know/you. What amazing line breaks. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteThose mystic poets - they pack so much meaning into such small spaces!
ReplyDeleteThat mirror poem/quote is AWESOME! Truly, sometimes less is more.
ReplyDeleteblah blah marking period 3 blah blah kindergarten schedule blah blah high functioning autistic blah blah 495 270 355 blah blah
ReplyDeleteThere is a Secret One inside us.
Thank you, Tabatha, for having Kabir remind me about the beads...
Kabir is exactly what I needed to read today...especially the mirror poem. Thanks so much for sharing this, Tabatha! =)
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me that the mirror doesn't know me, and for showing me the Secret One inside me!
ReplyDeleteFinding meaning in just a few words leads to deep pondering. Thank you, Tabatha.
ReplyDelete