You have given me a place to stand steadfast, an identity beyond the human-born, a way to face into life with dignity. You opened Your heart to me & i entered, steeped in ignorance & blind arrogant youth. long have i kept Your memory deep within, but like a ruby wrapped in ragged burlap or precious art forgotten in an attic. no longer, Lord Shiva, no, never again will i dare turn away from Your instruction, for age has given me the wisdom & love to venerate only the dearest blessings & You are the one who includes all of them! You are that which remains when the transient is no longer the focus of attention. oh my Lord Shiva, how brightly You do shine at the midheaven of mature awareness! i now can place myself in this time-bound realm only in relation to You, Lord Shiva, who have given me a place to stand steadfast, an identity beyond the human-born.
