On looking back

And all at once
A light shines upon the back
This back….
The central core
A pillar strong
Moving then still
Flexible, soft, then firm
Housing Sila
Nodules of understanding
Strung together
By knowledge
Of what is good
And not so good
To do
Moving
Then still
Again.

The back will guide these arms and hands
They reach out to touch
To pull and to push
To stroke and to slap
Harsh then tender
Grabbing then leaving
But come home
to the back
restrained and checked at the centre
guided and taken care of
soon they will rest in the lap
turned quietly towards each other
at peace….not wanting.

The feet will stop running
And chasing around
They will lie gently in front
Delighting in stillness.