we are shades in our own worlds

we move toward a fuzzy splotch of light

in a perpetual fog

and think what we imagine

is the reality we see

who can say otherwise?

who can tell an eternal Clear Light

from the mere ordinary blaze

of a noon-high sun?

every illusion we can muster

at best serves to hold us steady

we know it is merely a lesser piece

or a misunderstood part of our

apprehension of a vast Plan

but without such

how much worse off

would we be?

perhaps virtue will

mitigate the dark chaos of ignorance

give us the thread along which

we can pull ourselves

to a higher condition of being

until we pull ourselves

high enough to be free

of all conditions

but we need virtue to do that

and not slide off the grease

of our own threads

do we know virtue?

do you? do I?

don't take someone else's word for it

it would just be another distraction on your way

better to just do what you do

with a firm conviction

in doing it for its own sake

and not waiting for a reward

from something outside yourself

even if you think that thing

is God

we stand in the shades of our own worlds

but those shade admit

to a shining Light

do not ignore that Light

even if you cannot comprehend it

it is what allows you to see

all that there is

and then you will see a fog lift

and then you will see the other's universes

and see how intwined theirs are with yours

and then you will know

and no longer be a shade in your own world

Content (c) 2008-2011 Philip Milito.