The Sun-God

 

This is an excerpt from The Sun-God by Douglas Thornton. You can read the full poem at Brief Wilderness or read on below.

The Sun God

For a long time I always

wanted to go back, middle

of the valley where no tree

was blooming, one tree blooming.

But look for something in words

and contemplate the darkness,

or see a light in image

but never know the spirit.

Though the hand comes forth to shield

the sun, the universe seeps

through each part, for we expect

and always go back to what

resonates in appearance,

because, deep down, receiving

brings forth the end of all things.

So when form and silence seize

the hearts of those unseeking

with a sight that soon awakes

the mind to a thought now-filled

with meaning, a fire singeing

old weeds allows wildflowers

to grow again, and the burnt

offerings will rise above

the garlands that hang today.

Douglas Thornton