NOT FOR ME THE HALFWAY HOUSE
Srinivasa Rangaswami
To act, or not to act, is the question
enter the battle with shining spurs,
zestful, passion-driven to win;
or, listless, drag the feet,
withdrawn,
the whole wide world around
crying out for engagement.
How to act, yet not act,
turn away from the sumptuous spread,
relish tugging still,
the songbird calling
loud in the
ear?
Not for me the halfway state
on the arching bridge
where I belong
to neither bank.
Grant me, Oh Lord,
The joyous innocence
to drink of life without guilt
the full cup; or else
a stilled mind, desireless, when
effulgent, tuned to the divine
every act become an oblation
and the brimful waters course deep
swift, one directional,
seeking shimmering expanse
of all-embracing Love.