Whisper

By N.

Grey shadows in an abstract pattern.
Photo by Kevin Dooley

I am the pain that you wish upon monsters,
construct of a heart where connection can’t live.
I am your darkness shored up and screaming;
lean hard on your gods now, but never forgive.

I am the fear that you hide from in daylight,
makes you feel real in your lack of control.
I am the judgment you cast about indiscriminately
while grasping for something to label your soul.

I am your brother, your mother, your father,
a part and a whole of the wave that you are;
I am a beauty in deep shades of grey,
one day together we’ll laugh at our scars.

Go back to your dreams now, and may they protect you;
blame me and forget all the damage you’ve done
Believe I’m not here, or deserve what you’ve given
entertained in pretense that we’re other than One…

Incarcerated people

Many incarcerated people from all over the United States correspond with Venerable Thubten Chodron and monastics from Sravasti Abbey. They offer great insights into how they are applying the Dharma and striving to be of benefit to themselves and others in even the most difficult of situations.