The Gallows

The Gallows 

     The tree began to speak. 

"When the lamps are lit, the people 

Burst into flame as well—, their inner 

Harmony overcomes darkness as though 

     Fire can at once be both hot and cold. 

 

     "Loudly they vow loyalty until 

Krishna requires silence as he watches them 

Burn within his Light—, their minds without self, 

"Without will, they become Sanyasi, 

Sages whose souls have been conquered 

     By lack of time or space and filled 

With eternity—, a vision that liberates: 

"Freedom from dark ideas that torture the soul, 

Freedom from cares, from lust, from wrath, 

From greed—, no false austerity but true joy."