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See The Summit

"The summit cannot be seen",
what possibly can this mean?
There's always a certain goal;
vivid visions all should see
mere high bows to certainty.

Climbing for a brighter day,
will we likely lose our way?
This summit seems but a dream;
insights hit a sudden stop
finally finding the top.

Together hearts beat as one,
getting closer to the sun.
Truth in the heart, our best guide;
freed from fears of "I" and "mine",
ego takes a steep decline.

Blinded by sheer willfulness,
longings towards consciousness.
We will cling to what is dear;
our soaring spirit shall speak,
when we stagger up this peak.

Emerging through clouds on high,
new vistas to mount nearby.
Victory's a fleeting flame;
inner thoughts fade in thin air,
as one arrives, nothing's there.






25 lines  rhyme  130 words
catalectic iambic tetrameter
Zen koan, Moshan monk phrase
"The summit cannot be seen"
from the Hidden Lamp book

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Gary Radice

Date: 6/5/2025 10:09:00 PM

I could write all I truly know about buddhism on the back of a postage stamp Greg but I sense a very pivitol spiritual revelation atop the peak you write of here. I'm sure the idea of 'nothing's there' probably refers to something inner being there that we cannot physically see. Right or wrong I enjoyed the metaphorical journey. Cheers - Gary

Gary Radice
Date: 6/9/2025 7:26:00 AM

Thanks Greg. Cheers - Gary

Greg Gaul
Date: 6/7/2025 10:51:00 AM

Gary, it's as simple as humans often have overblown expectations. Or, more formally Buddist, man sees illusion as reality. So when reality actually appears, illusion dissolves. Often into nothingness.