The Paintbrush

2
1765

Enlightenment is like a paintbrush

placed in the hand of a mannequin

who has fully captured your attention

while the child behind you

dances wildly with paint stained hands

soaking the world with expression

 

Prove your devotion to love and truth

through right action and discernment

and you will be surprised to find

an even finer instrument in your breast pocket

while those who sit idly before the storefront window

become dreamers frozen in time

 

Seek then, balance

in the stillness of eternity

creativity in the well spring of your soul

and moral fortitude in honest endeavors

but never forsake that untamed child

who twirls with perfect passion

 

So that as you receive the gift

you may create timeless masterpieces

that stir the souls of drifters

toward reflection and awesome illustration

of their own inspired potential

 

For unto them as is given to you

a personalized map will be unearthed

from the catacombs of imagination

to guide them through dark and lonely nights

where the heavens dance on silky swells

toward the ineffable shore

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2 COMMENTS

    • I’m glad you like that part. I feel that many people misunderstand the idea forwarded by Buddhism, for example, that desires and passion lead to suffering. While desires and passions outside the context of a pure and true love may do so, those found in purity do not, or rather if they do, it is a kind of beautiful sacrifice that is balanced by even greater yields of joy. This is because love brings new energy into the field of creation, rather than redirecting it for self attainment. I also feel that many can become more and more restrictive in their spiritual pursuits, relying on some kind of system that locks them into a specific “way” to go about achieving some kind of attainment. There is always the danger when that happens, that they will forget about the child within themselves and will become a “dreamer frozen in time”, preoccupied with this goal and/or placing a teacher on a pedestal because they want his/her paintbrush, when all along they have a more suitable tool for creation and attainment within their own heart. This is about always remembering the constant reintegration of that child. If one can apply wisdom while retaining that beautifully improvised and creative passion embodied in a child, then their potential for co-creation and helping to build a foundation for a better future for themselves and others becomes boundless.