From Affection To Compassion

Surjit Aribamm
 Silence and stillness reigned over the night--
A night drenched in silver moonlight.
Yet, a storm raged within Siddhartha;
A silent battle between heart and mind.

The mind commanding, Break away,
Seek out the truth of sorrow, birth and death'.
But, the heart imploring, Stay, oh stay,
Do not break love's tender sacred chain.

But, with winds whispering calls from afar,
The pull of purpose grew too intense to fight.
He turned to face the royal bed and then,
A scene triggering an epiphany in him.

There lay his sleeping wife, her hand caressing
Their sleeping child--a love of purest grace.
And in that sight, he saw something--
A love that spread out beyond that space.

The chain that held him tight became loose
And began to spread out to encircle a vast sea.
The narrow stream of personal affection
Became a wide river of compassion for all.

Now, Siddhartha stepped towards the door;
But, cast one last glance at his loved ones;
This time, he saw two souls among millions--
Two souls merging in the vast sea of humanity.