lamp unto yourself
note to self

this is the work—
to become a lamp
unto yourself

notice, you already are
it’s a chilla, a test
and shows up again
and again—a new
region on the spiral
to scout and survey

everyone’s task—
collect and harmonize
radiance so it sustains
but doesn’t sear—
be a sprig of light
humane, balanced, kind
and warm, yes, that too
this is the way

—the Buddha is reported to have spoken the title phrase

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
Disclaimer: These are drafts—not final versions.