being

b e i n g

there is a gate, we call it sky
 
when visible, we call it cloud
 
or sun’s bright shadow
 
or dusk, when we close our eyes
 
 
there is a gate, we call it heaven’s eye
 
and there is no intent to restrict, rather
 
it means to say, here is the heart
 
you live within, here is the heart
 
that is your own
 
 
now that you see it, let it blow away
 
and blanket all your thought
 
 
like grains of dust between your toes
 
 
permeable, be like that

neil reid © july 2011

 
 
photo credit:
Both photographs, “Sunset in Taos” by Annell Livingston (images 8502 and 8507 respectively); used here with gracious permission (and appreciation).  See the full set of four (and so much more) at her blog somethingsithinkabout.
 
Annell is a gifted artist (and poet) who lives and works in the high desert of New Mexico.  Please visit both her art website and poetry blog as well.  Annell writes about the creative process, It is a problem unsolved, that turns into another problem unsolved and I must continue.  I am responsible to the process.
 
poem commentary:
This poem would not have been written without seeing these photographs; and then, it could hardly help from writing itself.  In truth, it already was, just in image rather than word.  My blessing this time to get to perform the wording part.  With much thanks to Annell.
     Actually I am more than fond of doing poems in response to images, be they photographs, paintings or otherwise.  I think these images make evident the relationship of image and word: an equality of meanings, just in different languages.  More, I agree with Annell, it is our part within existence, our responsibility, to participate and respond to what we experience.
      neil