Veils

("Something or Other", 2023, original encaustic) Veils Veils get lifted all the time Anytime we encounter truth But they then fall back into place The natural effect of gravity Or whatever we call the force That is opposed to the levity of truth. For me this recently happened Seeing a particularly fresh and joyful Turkish rug, But it’s happened before in myriad ways, From vivid dreams, to close brushes with Death, From the satori of meditation to taking just the right dose In just the right set and setting. Truth may be a constant, But our relationship to it is constantly changing. Earth spinning and revolving around Sun Comes to mind as an apt metaphor All the more apt since it is also our actual condition, If we take ourselves to be objects in time and space. Veils support such illusions Perhaps, and simply, because they give us something Tangible, which without, leave us naked Exposed for who we are, Or more poignantly, Who we aren’t. (8/31/23)