“You’re either an artist or muse. Each comes with its own set of complications, each with its own unwavering power.”
“Let discernment
be your new protector.
Let metta
be your mirror,
not the silence of those
who failed to bow to your truth.” —from “A Friend on the Path”
Yesterday, and today, I received two moving, heartfelt poems “Friend on the Path” and “For The One Who Walks the Line” from a man I have never met (or know) who told me he greatly admires my work and website, in particular the new music mantra songs.
He wrote: “Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the profound impact of your work. Your devotion to the Guru is inspiring, but it’s your consistent, loving practice that truly shines. Your courage in protecting women from harm is a beacon of hope. Your denunciation of those abusers will save many. I’m humbled by the positive change you’ve brought to many lives. Your selflessness and compassion are a blessing.”
As a poet myself, I was touched and moved to tears by the sentiment, mood and messages of the poems, which resonated with my life, aims, and current mood/outlook. I am sharing them (with permission) but have kept the poet’s name anonymous (to protect him from people who might want to target him for writing such positive and supportive things for and about me, as they have done to others).
In any case, as all poets, artists and musicians know, when one becomes a muse/inspiration for someone else’s art and poetry it is a sincere compliment indeed. I hope others, who have been through similar experiences or who resonate with my story, journey and experience of daring to speak “truth to power”, will also find them moving and inspiring. The poems reminded me of lines from other poems, such the Irish poet, Yeats in one of my favourite poems, When You Are Old, composed for his own long-time muse, Maud Gonne:
“But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,. And loved the sorrows of your changing face…”
For more of my own original poetry on this website, see here.Music? Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands by Bob Dylan, “How could any of them destroy you?”
