Carry on: Observing Bats

The bats flap about
Inside my mind,
Agitated, unsettled,
Seeking my blood.

I sit amidst the chaos,
The acrid smell of guano
Fills the air,
And I wrinkle my nose.

But I will not deny them,
Nor will I flee
From the beating wings,
Or the high-pitched cries.

I hold my posture
And look straight ahead,
Peering through
The multitudinous throng.

Patiently, gently, compassionately,
I watch and wait,
For the fluttering
To decrease,

With no expectation
That it will cease,
But only that
My equanimity will increase,

And that resting with
The turmoil,
I will learn to
Befriend the host.

For only from inside,
From the centre
Of the swarm,
Can I find peace.