Hubris

Last Light

March 19, 2012 /

Waking Point

by Helen Noakes

“…maybe death/isn’t darkness, after all/but so much light/wrapping itself around us…”—Mary Oliver, “White Owl Flies Into and Out of the Field”

Helen NoakesSAN FRANCISCO California—(Weekly Hubris)—3/19/12—It is said that the Buddha’s last words were, “Make yourself a light.”

The Buddha.
The Buddha.

And, thus, he went peacefully into the mystery of death.

His life-long message stressed the need to divest ourselves
Of the many burdens of delusion.
Was his last sentence, therefore, unfinished?

And what of those who fear the light,
Grip tightly, the dark bundles of fury and self-pity,
Lash out,terrified,
At anyone who tries to lighten the load?

Would terror blind them at that moment when
All burdens are lifted?

Would they seek desperately to hide
In the shade of their carefully collected
Mound of woes?

Would the light burn?
Or would it comfort?

Is that the real horror that they see in death?
The light.
The freedom.
The illumination

Note: Shadow-Box of The Buddha created by Helen Noakes.

Helen Noakes is a playwright, novelist, writer, art historian, linguist, and Traditional Reiki Master, who was brought up in and derives richness from several of the world’s great traditions and philosophies. She believes that writing should engage and entertain, but also inform and inspire. She also believes that because the human race expresses itself in words, it is words, in the end, that will show us how very similar we are and how foolish it is to think otherwise. (Author Head Shot Augment: René Laanen.)

8 Comments

  • Deborah R.

    March 19, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    Helen ~ The shadow box is gorgeous — balanced, uncluttered, contemplative, peaceful. And your poem reflects the same qualities.

    Two favorite places:

    “Lash out, terrified,
    At anyone who tries to lighten the load?”
    [“Lighten” holds both meanings here — vision and weight.]

    “Would terror blind them at that moment when
    All burdens are lifted?”
    [That’s a stunning observation — gave me a shiver.]

    I really like the way you’ve combined visual art and written words. Brava.

  • Helen Noakes

    March 20, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    Thanks so much, Deborah. It’s wonderful to get such thoughtful feedback. Thanks for reading and for writing in.

  • Helen Noakes

    March 20, 2012 at 1:59 pm

    Despina! What a wonderful thing to say. Thank you so much. Coming from an artist of your caliber it means a lot. I certainly appreciate your reading and your writing in.

  • John Idol

    March 22, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Ah, the joy of being lifted to thought and wonder by beaufifully crafted
    words. Keep up the good stuff.

    John