Diligent: Tending the Fire

Mega metta,
Monumental exertion,
Intentional identification
With loving-kindness awareness;

Energetically repeating
Well-wishing phrases
And observing the upwelling
Of peace and receptivity;

Except, what’s this?
Anger fiercely arising,
Far too strong to be ignored,
It shrouds the horizon,

And so, turning towards the physical sensations
And investigating this disturbance,
Experienced as intense tingling and inner blackness
Deep inside the center of the chest;

But, is that all? What a relief!
‘Tis only a sensational surge,
Just a little bird flapping about,
Exercising its tiny wings

And as gradually the agitated avian settles,
Attention inclines towards awareness itself,
Observing the kindness growing within it
And back to metta the focus goes,

Savouring the glowing warmth,
Glorying in the light of the growing blaze,
Marveling at the miracle
That simple sustained effort can generate such well being.

Slowly comfort diffuses through,
Cooling into a tranquil state,
A stable calm,
A well of ease upon which to draw
Whenever the restless sparrow stirs within the heart.