Clear Witness

Does our serpent friend sit in welcome?
Dare I draw close, not cowing in fear –
Unabashedly shedding all bias
Staying cool but compellingly near?

Clear witness sees no separation
Present moments reflect how we care
Bearing all with our noblest intention
Can we tend to our own hearts’ repair?

So I heal in the palm of awareness,
Let impermanence crown every tear
Like a mirror of pure conscious knowing
Not to stumble through ruins of fear.

This way dispels misery’s tide
With no innocence lost nor being frail –
With consciousness fully immersed
Truly thrive in our human travail.

On its perch the serpent lies still
Can it promise to set us free?
What can our practice fulfill?
Who are we in this vast galaxy?

What dares shatter our rage or despair?
What gives courage enough to let go?
Hear those innermost rhythms at last
Every silent earthly crescendo.

Can we walk peaceful, wise and discrete
When Mara’s imposters compete
When ‘stream-winners’ pass left and right
Then collapse at the Blessed One’s feet?

Just feel the heart’s restless impulse
Be not less than all that we’ve been
Still we consciously steer ourselves on
For a cherished peace unredeemed.

Can our dynamic balance return,
Shatter prisons of rage or despair
Find our way out of darkness or doubt –
Live empowered and fully aware?

It’s our choice to lean towards freedom
Purified from below and above –
When the joy of our vigilance triumphs
We abide in the harbour of love.

© Ayyā Medhānandī 2026