Xmas Rumination

 
In the abbey
of the inner
mind

an unholy
thought
I could not find

in the garden
of the
gentle heart

not one feint
that stooped
to art
 
*
 
Within, true
even
well and wise

the very
provenance
of paradise

only when we
forfeit
this home

all paths lead
to debauch
and Rome
 
*
 
Once we
slough
the inner child

do we go
unruthful
into the wild

born true
yet prey
to travails

the spirit strong
in the world
it fails

for in
multitudes
we cease
to be

in sweet
kindred
and affinity
 
*
 
Narrow
the compass
of inner desire

when large looms
trespass
comes frenzy
and fire
 
*
 
Safe
is the hearth
sweeter
the home

outside that
nunnery
neither rove
nor roam
 
*
 
Where small stays
the compass

there large
looms the heart

when large
is the trespass

we come aloof
and apart

when we bow
to the gods

and the spirit
sings

 
[© R.Kanth 2022]

Professor Rajani Kanth, is Author of Coda (Novel) , A Day in the Life (Novel), and Expiations (Verse)