Notes About The Poem

Nourishing Soul

("Honeybee on Apple Blossom", 2020, original pen and ink)

Nourishing Soul

Like a bee to the flower
Holding pollen and nectar
What is it we seek at play in the fields of the Lord
If not nourishment of the soul?

All the basics (food, water, sex and shelter)
Being just that,
The basis for what the soul actually incarnates for;
Knowledge, wisdom, truth, beauty, love and music!

And so the eternal Way
Continually arises as a forking path
Between true and false, good and evil, love and fear
Each step a test of our discernment and resolution.

The soul by nature is just and true
And yet, like a clear mountain spring
Subject to contamination as the influences of this life, 
This world, leave a mark; in short the karmic debts we accrue.

And so comes the practical necessity of purifying, 
Nipping the inevitable distortion and perversion in the bud,
The stains – pure and impure - that remain, 
From each choice and challenge met.

The king of purifiers of course being forgiveness
Based in simple gratitude for the simple fact of simply being 
Alive and able to learn, grow and forgive anew
Traveling the open path in confidence with an open mind.

Thus we gain the keys to the High-way, hidden in our pocket all along,
The kingdom, ever-present Here and Now, 
To walk alert, head up, eyes and heart wide open - to it all, 
Knowing with resolution and discernment we’ll be just fine.

(12/26/25)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2023

Poem

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Labyrinth Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 3:19 PM
This is excellent. I especially like this - "And so the eternal Way Continually arises as a forking path Between true and false, good and evil, love and fear Each step a test of our discernment and resolution. The soul by nature is just and true And yet, like a clear mountain spring Subject to contamination as the influences of this life, This world, leave a mark; in short the karmic debts we accrue."
Moore Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 5:13 PM
Thanks LL. It was something I wanted to say, but lacking any inspiring way to say it ended up writing something that seemed more prosaic and pedantic than poetic... but at least it's not thoroughly depressing like the other stuff I've been coming up with this winter!
Labyrinth Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 3:20 PM
Bee stings can kill, sometimes.
Labyrinth Avatar
December 27, 2023 at 3:20 PM
very profound.
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