Singing Her, Seeing Her

Singing the Sri Mahalaksmyastakam

or singing the Kundalini Stavah . . .

I am absorbed in seeing Her in every Woman's form and potential

whom I encounter - on whatever basis, to whatever degree,

and without exception.

Regarding Her, acknowledging and addressing Her,

perhaps I may even awaken Her in those very forms,

by my mere glance or touch

awaken in them as well to that consciousness of Her,

or perhaps not.

It doesn't matter.

The Hymn to Mahalaksmi, the Hymn to the Kundalini,

is a declaration of love from Him to Her,

nothing else, and nothing less.

Deep in my ajna-brow,

deep in my hridaya-heart,

deep in my very belly and in my loins,

there I hold Her fast in my arms' embrace,

there I behold Her face.

On my breath I feel the scent of Her -

when I am training or performing prayers,

I feel the warmth of Her smile on my skin -

when I am singing She is making love with me.

Shall I ever deny this?

Kundalini Carol

(Boulder, December '83 – scribbled into my '75 edition of "Nectar of Chanting")

C'mon Lord, now light my fire,

Take my spirit high'r and high'r,

Up the spine and out the crown –

Quiet now! I hear the sound:

"Gloria in excelsis Deo …" (2x)

I don't wanna speak in tongues,

I just wanna hear Your voice;

I don't wanna build no church,

I just love the girls and boys!

"Gloria in excelsis Deo …" (2x)

That's it Lord, You're doin' fine,

Singin' up and down my spine;

Sing thru ev'ry part of me,

Sing thru all eternity!

"Gloria in excelsis Deo …" (2x)

Dawn

(Ft. Huachuca AZ, Spring 1988)

The little crimson blossom as it shoots forth
from the tip of a leafy branch
and full-lipped roses unchaffed by the sun,
cooing in the sparkling air,
and the chorus of finch and swallow
as they herald in the dawn outside my window;

and truly the singing mountain ridge which speaks
and speaks to them and to me ceaselessly    ceaselessly,
whose robust arches and gorges, embracing lakes
branch out to draw me to their embrace.

All of this testifies that we are loved where we stand.

As I see, and as I hear,
so also do I love in return, ceaselessly.
And everywhere I turn    my beloved turns to me.