Nyepi
The council, or maybe workshop, finished early.
Some hurried to their cars, summoned elsewhere
By onscreen letters; cheery exodus, like children out of school,
Enjoying every gulp of cold fresh air.
I lingered, slow warm light was streaming down,
covering the wooden table, floor, and tea cups.
It dimmed the splashed goodbyes. You also stayed,
Dog noiselessly appeared to see what’s up.
And you were telling something about your plans to have
the room expanded; sense of peace was anchored by your smile;
You said, the paper orange strips had to be cut
Before the session starts next time.
***
I got back to the massive table, the wooden surface warm and firm to touch.
The dog came, pressed his nose against my knee and looked me in the eyes.
I watched you take command of the cup squadron and do the washing up,
All cups of different colours, shapes and sizes.
This nonconformity is strangely pleasing to observe.
You put the last cup down, while my voice is bridging space
Between, you look behind me at the large glass window-wall,
Surprise and admiration in your gaze.
***
Behind the glass, out of dusky nothing
Big silent snowflakes danced, or fell, or flew,
Time’s non-existent, all is in agreement with this moment,
These quiet waves of peace, all noise subdued.
No fire is burning, no wandering, no searching,
No distant engines that conquer space and roar,
No thought, full stop, reset, and only presence
Of some miraculous new, in tune, in awe.
Anna Krasko 2023
Nyepi — a Day of Silence, a tradition on an Indonesian island of Bali when the first day of the new year is spent in silence and meditation, without driving, cooking and doing all other activities that people usually occupy themselves with.
Thank you for reading! 🦋🌸𓍯૮₍ ´• ˕ • ₎ა🌸🧸
