like a second skin

for long years i have followed You from the burning ground, Shiva.
now You come to me in the turmoil of my kurukshetra.
i know this much: no matter what the surroundings & events,
i love You. i dwell upon You. i call You. i cling to You.
i wrap Your holy presence around me like a second skin
& this empowers me through the necessary severings:
the old falling away, the new pushing through the yielding dark
into the light, opening the shy heart, freeing the bound mind
from the burden of impeding ruminations & insults.

now You have come to me in my most private kurukshetra,
for i followed You from the heat & smoke of the burning ground.
Your presence strengthens me in this destined battle which i face.
Shiva, You are my shield & protection. You are my refuge.