Author: Bodhi Baba

“A great turning point in our lives came when we sought for humility as something we really wanted; rather than as something we must have.” (12 & 12, p. 75)

 

“My turning point was my pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.  It was then that I, who had dedicated most of my life to penetrate the  ‘secrets’ of the universe; realized that there are no secrets.  Life is and will always be a mystery.”  – Paulo Coelho (1947 –   ) Brazilian spiritual author

 

The Crossroads – Bone Thug-n-Harmony (4:37)

Krishnamurti Speaks on the “the Turning Points” (10:42)

 

 

THE FORK IN THE ROAD – a short story

Posted on February 24, 2012

 

Two young men walked shoulder to shoulder, talking quietly under the hot summer sun.

“I don’t know,” Harry said. “I just can’t accept the idea that there is some sort of being that is in control of everything.” He looked at his friend and raised his brows in challenge. “And I don’t think there’s anything when you die. I think you just die and that’s the end.”

“But,” argued John, “why are we here then? What’s the point of this life if we just waste it away and then die without ever doing anything important?”

“I think we are here to have fun, to do what we want to do. I mean, it’s my life; why can’t I do what I want when I want?”

John thought about that question, knowing there should be an answer, but he didn’t know what it was.

As they walked a short way further, John looked a little ahead, studying the heat rising from the pavement. The road they walked along was wide, paved and smooth, with no potholes or bumps to mar its surface. He frowned, wondering if this was indeed what life was supposed to be like.

[L]ooked to each side, taking in the dark quiet of the woods that flanked each side of the road.

He felt uneasy as he looked into the shadowed depths on the left, as if there were someone in there watching their passage along the road, wishing evil on them.

…

[T]urned his head and looked to the right, feeling a peace fill him that he had previously not known, as if whatever was there was watching over him.

He turned to look at his friend and said, “I don’t know. It just seems to me that there should be something more to life than a never ending stream of parties and friends drinking and playing and having a good time. There has to be more. Otherwise, what’s the point? It seems such an empty, shallow life; if that is all there is.”

Before Harry could respond, they rounded a bend in the road, and came upon another road that went off to the right. This road was narrow and covered in dirt, an uneven surface that would be much more difficult to walk.

They stopped just before the intersection of the two roads, taking in the distant view. The woods ended just a few yards further on and there open fields began. They stood and studied both roads for a bit, then noticed the signs ahead.

…

The sign on the left was a giant billboard, covered with beautiful young people, each holding a bottle of beer while they laughed and talked. The words spread across the bottom of the sign said, “Joe’s Jolly Joint. Where a good time is had by all.” In smaller letters was the address “Fire Street, Brimstone Township”.

Harry chuckled delightedly and rubbed his stomach.

“Ah-h-h … my friend, a welcome sight, this. I am thirsty and in need of entertainment. Come, let us go and get a drink.”

John turned his head and looked at the sign that stood further down the road that led to the right. It was weathered and beaten, the paint chipped and faded; but it was still possible to see the beautiful scene of a glistening lake nestled in the trees and hills. “Serenity Lake. Come and rest.”

He let his eyes focus on the distant view and could see sunlight glinting off water. Suddenly, he was thirsty also, but not for the drink that was beckoning to his friend.

He turned to look at Harry, who was slowly stepping toward the point where the paved road continued to the town that stood silent in the late afternoon sun. The buildings were painted in bright colors that gleamed in the sun, glorious hues that filled the eye with a colorful welcome.

John hesitated, wondering if the lake matched the worn out, battered sign; comparing that image to the bright, eye-catching town that had grown up around the wide highway.

“Come, rest in Me.”

…

The Voice was quiet, beckoning and reassuring at the same time.

“What did you say?” He asked Harry.

Harry had reached the edge of the woods and turned back, brows raised.

“What?”

John frowned. “I asked what you said to me.”

Harry laughed. “Friend I didn’t say anything other than I want to go get a drink.” He pointed to the sign for Joe’s.

John asked, “You didn’t tell me to come with you?”

“What are you doing? Hearing voices?”

…

“You didn’t hear it?”

At this, Harry laughed outright.

“No. I didn’t say anything, I didn’t hear anything.” Then he sighed, getting impatient with the delay. “Now, are you coming or not? I really want to go get a drink, and see what other amusements are available.”

John frowned heavily at the sense of dread that filled him.

“Come, rest in Me.”

…

The quiet Voice came again; and this time he realized that Harry had not heard it because the words were spoken in his own heart.

“Harry, why don’t you come with me? We can get something to drink down at the lake.”

Harry looked both directions, taking in and comparing the two destinations before laughing sardonically. He looked at the two differing roads then back to his old roommate.

“No, I don’t think so,” he responded decisively. “I can’t imagine that road leading to anything good. You’ll probably have all sorts of trouble going that direction. If anything, you should come with me. Aren’t you thirsty? We’ve been walking quite a while.”

“Yes, I’m thirsty too; but I’m going this way.” He raised a hand and pointed toward the sparkling water in the distance. “Please, come with me. I have a bad feeling about that place.” He pointed to the bright town and looked at Harry steadily; but his friend just laughed.

“Seriously? You have a bad feeling? Going psychic on me now?”

John closed his eyes, unable to find the words to keep his friend from making what he was sure would be a deadly mistake.

“Please, Harry, come with me. I don’t know why, but I feel like you should come with me.”

“Ok, you know what? This is nuts. If you want to go to your little lake and break your leg in the process, who am I to try and stop you. Just don’t try to force me to follow you.”

…

Harry turned and walked down the paved road in a huff. John watched him go, sorry to see his college buddy take what felt to be the wrong turn. Why couldn’t he see that it was the wrong way to go? Why didn’t he hear that voice that beckoned so quietly?

He pulled his mind away from the questions and looked to where Harry had been standing a moment before; but all that was there was an ominous black cloud that seemed to be rising from glowing embers in the middle of the road. The town was shrouded in a dark grey covering, somewhat resembling smoke and ash.

Startled, John stepped back.

“He has made his choice and can not turn from it now.” The quiet Voice filled his heart. “He has rejected Me in favor of a good time and having his own way. Now it is your turn to make your choice. Will you come to Me and sup with Me and let Me give you rest? I have living water that once you drink of it, you will never thirst again.” As if reading his hesitance, the Voice continued, “Do not worry about the uneven road. When you have trouble getting to the end, I will be right beside you to help you along. All you’ll have to do is reach for Me.”

John felt peace and love fill his very soul as he turned and hurried toward the lake.

THE END

 

What changes in your life do feel have been necessary to make, lately?

THE NEXT TO LAST GASP AGAINST THE SQUALL –

“Failure had be-
come our way of
life and self-esteem
was non-existent.” “When
nothing relieved our para-
noia  and  fear,  we hit  bot-
tom and became ready to
ask  for  help.  We  were
searching for an answer
when we reached out
… .” (The Basic Text,
p. 15)

“The greater
the difficulty the
more glory in sur-
mounting it. Skillful pi-
lots gain their repu-
tation from storms
and tempests.”

– Epicurus (341 BC – 270 BC) Greek philosopher

 

Change Gon’ Come – Sam Cooke (3:30)

An Epicurean Animation (3:05)  

Metamorphosis and Changes – an Enigma Meditation (9:33)

 

 

Change upon Change

By Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Five months ago the stream did flow,
The lilies bloomed within the sedge,
And we were lingering to and fro,
Where none will track thee in this snow,
Along the stream, beside the hedge.
Ah, Sweet, be free to love and go!
For if I do not hear thy foot,
The frozen river is as mute,
The flowers have dried down to the root:
And why, since these be changed since May,
Shouldst thou change less than they.

And slow, slow as the winter snow
The tears have drifted to mine eyes;
And my poor cheeks, five months ago
Set blushing at thy praises so,
Put paleness on for a disguise.
Ah, Sweet, be free to praise and go!
For if my face is turned too pale,
It was thine oath that first did fail, —
It was thy love proved false and frail, —
And why, since these be changed enow,
Should I change less than thou.

 

“A PROGRAM OF ATTRACTION” –

“… we are not
a glum lot. If new-
comers could see no
joy or fun in our exist-
ence, they wouldn’t want
it. We absolutely insist on
enjoying life. We try not to
indulge in cynicism over the
state  of  the  nations,  nor
do we carry  the  world’s
troubles on our shoul-
ders.” (The Big Book,
p. 132)

“If you have
zest and enthu-
siasm you attract zest
and enthusiasm. Life
does give back
in kind.”

– Norman Vincent Peale (1898 – 1993) U.S. clergyman

 

Physical Attraction – demo version – Madonna (6:16)

The Secret Laws of Attraction – via Jazz (4:44)

Powerful Law of Attractions Guided Meditation (7:23)

 

How have you demonstrated joy and possibly inspired others through the expression of your own spiritual practice, lately?

 

 

Beautiful Nairn

by William Topaz Mcgonagall

All ye tourists who wish to be away
From the crowded city for a brief holiday;
The town of Nairn is worth a visit, I do confess,
And it’s only about fifteen miles from Inverness.

[A]nd in the summer season it’s a very popular bathing-place,
And the visitors from London and Edinburgh finds solace,
As they walk along the yellow sand beach inhaling fresh air;
Besides, there’s every accommodation for ladies and gentlemen there.

Then there’s a large number of bathing coaches there,
And the climate is salubrious, and very warm the air;
And every convenience is within the bathers’ reach,
Besides, there’s very beautiful walks by the sea beach.

…

The visitors to Nairn can pass away the time agreeably,
By viewing Tarbetness, which slopes downwards to the sea;
And Queen Street is one of the prettiest thoroughfares,
Because there’s splendid shops in it, and stocked with different wares.

And there’s ornamental grounds, and lovely shady nooks,
Which is a great advantage to visitors while reading their books;
And there’s a certain place known as the Ladies’ Beach,
So private that no intruder can them reach.

And there’s many neat cottages with gardens very nice,
And picturesque villas, which can be rented at a reasonable price;
Besides, there’s a golf course for those that such a game seeks,
Which would prove a great attraction to the knights of clubs and cleeks.

…

The surrounding scenery of Nairn is magnificent to be seen,
Especially its fertile fields and woodlands so green;
Besides, not far from Nairn, there’s Cawdor Castle, the ancient seat
Of the noble Thanes of Cawdor, with its bold turrets so neat.

And its massive proportions is very imposing to see,
Because the arched entrance is secured by a drawbridge and a fosse;
And visitors will be allowed all over the grounds to roam,
Besides shown over the castle if the Earl is not at home.

The scenery surrounding the castle is charming in the summertime,
And the apples in the orchard there is very fine,
Also the flower-beds are most beautiful to see,
Especially in the month of June, when the birds sing merrily.

…

Then there’s the ancient stronghold of the Bays of Lochloy,
And visitors when they see it will it heartily enjoy;

[A\nd a little further on there’s the blasted heath of Macbeth,
And a hillock where the witches are wont to dance till out of breath.

And as the visitors to Nairn walk along the yellow sand,
They can see, right across the Moray Firth, the Black Island so grand,
With its productive fields and romantic scenery,
And as the tourist gazes thereon his heart fills with ecstasy.

[A]nd Darnaway Castle is well worthy of praise,
And to oblige all visitors there are open days,
When they can see the castle where one thousand warriors in all
Oft have assembled in the Earl of Randolph’s Hall.

And in conclusion I will say for good bathing Nairn is the best,
[A]nd besides its pleasant scenery is of historical interest;
And the climate gives health to many visitors while there,

 

CALL IT “GREAT SPIRIT” or WHAT YOU MAY

“We can call it
the group, the pro-
gram, or we can call it
God. The only suggested
guidelines are that this
Power be loving, caring
and greater than our-
selves.” (The Basic
Text, p. 24)

THE WILLINGNESS TO BELIEVE IN A POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES –

” ‘ IT WAS ONLY
A MATTER OF BEING
WILLING TO BELIEVE IN
A POWER GREATER THAN
MYSELF. NOTHING MORE WAS
REQUIRED OF ME TO MAKE MY
BEGINNING.’ … Scales of pride
and prejudice fell from my
eyes. A new world came
into view.” (The Big
Book, p. 12)

“From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great unifying life force that flowed in and through all things: the flowers of the plains, blowing winds, rocks, trees, birds, animals, and was the same force that had been breathed into the first man. Thus all things were kindred, and were brought together by the same Great Mystery.”

– Lakota Chief Luther Standing Bear (1868 – 1939)

 

Heaven – Psychedelic Furs – full version (4:30)

Wakan Tanka – the Great Mystery Meditation (6:00)

 

What “Great Mysteries” have you discovered about life with your HP or “Great Spirit” by your side?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXLWGnBGpI4

 

NATIVE AMERICAN BELIEFS: “THE GREAT MYSTERY”

By MURRAY LEE FOR PWNA | Published: SEPTEMBER 29, 2015

Native American Beliefs – The Great Mystery_TwitterMany Native American beliefs — ranging from beliefs about nature and animals, to traditional customs and ceremonies — are cause for discussion among non-Native peoples. Also discussed are the various spiritual and religious beliefs of Native American tribes. I want to speak to one specifically, the Native American belief in “The Great Mystery.”

When non-Natives consider “The Great Mystery,” thoughts and discussions might revolve around religious passages such as the Ephesians passage in the Bible that speaks to the great mystery hidden through the ages in God, or perhaps Paul’s reference to the great mystery in his letter to the Romans, or the Colossians passage that describes “the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:24-27 NIV)

,,,

When Lakota speak of the Great Mystery, they speak of Wakan Tanka, which is more of an abstract force of creation and spirituality that is to be honored and given thanks. It is not a reference to a personified or singular deity, but rather an encompassing life force and energy existing in all things.

Chief Luther Standing Bear said: “From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great unifying life force that flowed in and through all things — the flowers of the plains, blowing winds, rocks, trees, birds, animals — and was the same force that had been breathed into the first man. Thus all things were kindred, and were brought together by the same Great Mystery.”

There is a similarity between Christian and Lakota beliefs about the Great Mystery as far as giving thanks and realizing what exists around you. However, the Lakota believe Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery, is represented as an all-encompassing collective or oneness. And, the Lakota understanding of the Great Mystery is a reverence and thankfulness to all things made possible by this Great Mystery and a realization that all things are related and interconnected.

 

 

In re: The Now

“It’s being here now that’s important. There’s no past and there’s no future.   Time is a very misleading thing.  All there is ever is the now. We can gain experience from the past, but we can’t relive it, and we can hope for the future, but we don’t know if there is one.”  – George Harrison (1943 – 2001) musician & songwriter (the Beatles)

 

What beneficial results have you experienced lately from living in the now, one day at a time?

 

 Yesterday –  The Beatles (2:25) 

Thich Nhat Hanh Surrender to The Now (1:28)

Meditating on Emptiness 4 point Analysis (13:11)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uneYz201p0

 

Now

by Robert Browning, 1812 – 1889

Out of your whole life give but a moment!
All of your life that has gone before,
All to come after it,—so you ignore,
So you make perfect the present,—condense,
In a rapture of rage, for perfection’s endowment,
Thought and feeling and soul and sense—
Merged in a moment which gives me at last
You around me for once, you beneath me, above me—
Me—sure that despite of time future, time past,—
This tick of our life-time’s one moment you love me!
How long such suspension may linger? Ah, Sweet—
The moment eternal—just that and no more—
When ecstasy’s utmost we clutch at the core
While cheeks burn, arms open, eyes shut and lips meet!

 

THE FLOODGATES OF EMOTION BEGIN TO OPEN –

The dammed-up
emotions of years
break out of their con-
finement, and miracu-
lously vanish as soon as
they are exposed. As the
pain subsides, a healing
tranquility takes its
place.” (12 & 12,
p. 62)

“The sacrifice you
want is a broken spirit.
A broken and repentant
heart, O God, you will
not despise.”

– King David (c.1037-970 BC)
second king of Israel

 

In what ways would a “broken and repentant heart” be on display through your own spiritual practice, lately?

 

Blame It – (Jaimie Foxx & Jake Gyllenhaal) 

King David’s Terrible Sin (3:12)

Psalms 22 – Jesus’ Infinite Sacrifice (7:44)

 

 

 

The Ant and The Cricket :

A fable is a story often with animals as characters that conveys a moral. This poem about an ant and a cricket contains an idea of far-reaching significance, which is as true of a four-legged cricket as of a two-legged one. Surely, you have seen a cricket that has two legs!

A silly young cricket, accustomed to sing

Through the warm, sunny months of gay summer and spring,

Began to complain when he found that, at home,

His cupboard was empty, and winter was come.

Not a crumb to be found

On the snow-covered ground;

Not a flower could he see,

Not a leaf on a tree.

“Oh! what will become,” says the cricket, “of me?”

At last by starvation and famine made bold,

All dripping with wet, and all trembling with cold,

Away he set off to a miserly ant,

To see if, to keep him alive, he would grant

Him shelter from rain,

And a mouthful of grain.

He wished only to borrow;

He’d repay it tomorrow;

If not, he must die of starvation and sorrow.

Says the ant to the

cricket, “I’m your servant

and friend,

But we ants never

borrow; we ants never

lend.

But tell me, dear cricket,

did you lay nothing by

When the weather was

warm?” Quoth the cricket,

“Not I!

My heart was so light

That I sang day and night,

For all nature looked gay.”

“You sang, Sir, you say?

Go then,” says the ant, “and dance the winter away.”

Thus ending, he hastily lifted the wicket,

And out of the door turned the poor little cricket.

Folks call this a fable. I’ll warrant it true:

Some crickets have four legs, and some have two.

 

“We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery. The delusion that we are like other people, or presently may be, has to be smashed.” (The Big Book, p. 23)  “The ignorant mind, with its infinite, afflictions, passions, and evils, is rooted in the three poisons. Greed, anger, and delusion.”- Bodhidharma (c. 5th century AD) Zen Buddhist monk & founder of Kung Fu.

 

What delusions that you mistakenly hold about yourself that you feel oughta be SMASHED?

The Grand Illusion w/ lyrics (Styx) (4:38)

The Most Amazing Magic Trick Ever (1:19)

Bodhidharma & True Power Meditation (3:03)

 

Postcards

by Margaret Atwood

I’m thinking about you.
What else can I say?
The palm trees on the reverse
are a delusion; so is the pink sand.

What we have are the usual
fractured coke bottles and the smell
of backed-up drains, too sweet,
like a mango on the verge
of rot, which we have also.

The air clear sweat, mosquitoes
& their tracks; birds & elusive.

Time comes in waves here, a sickness, one
day after the other rolling on;
I move up, it’s called
awake, then down into the uneasy
nights but never
forward.
The roosters crow
for hours before dawn, and a prodded
child howls & howls
on the pocked road to school.

In the hold with the baggage
there are two prisoners,
their heads shaved by bayonets, & ten crates
of queasy chicks.
Each spring
there’s race of cripples, from the store
to the church.
This is the sort of junk
I carry with me; and a clipping
about democracy from the local paper.

Outside the window
they’re building the damn hotel,
nail by nail, someone’s
crumbling dream.
A universe that includes you
can’t be all bad, but
does it? At this distance
you’re a mirage, a glossy image
fixed in the posture
of the last time I saw you.

Turn you over, there’s the place
for the address.
Wish you were
here.
Love comes
in waves like the ocean, a sickness which goes on
& on, a hollow cave
in the head, filling & pounding, a kicked ear.

 

 

” … this emerging from isolation through the open and honest sharing of our terrible burden of guilt, brings us to a resting place where we may prepare ourselves for the following Steps … .” (12 & 12, p. 62)  “What we’re all striving for is authenticity, a spirit – to – spirit connection.” – Oprah Winfrey (1954 – ) U.S., TV mogul / actor

 

Under what circumstances have you felt especially connected with your HP or fellows?

Hold On – Wilson Phillips (3:41)

Otters  & Others Holding Hands (1:41)

The Embrace – Ashana Singing Bowl Meditation

 

 

 

SONG OF FELLOWSHIP

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
[Written and sung in honour of the birthday
of the Pastor Ewald at the time of Goethe’s happy connection with Lily.]

 

IN ev’ry hour of joy

That love and wine prolong,
The moments we’ll employ

To carol forth this song!
We’re gathered in His name,

Whose power hath brought us here;
He kindled first our flame,

He bids it burn more clear.

 

Then gladly glow to-night,

And let our hearts combine!
Up! quaff with fresh delight

This glass of sparkling wine!
Up! hail the joyous hour,

And let your kiss be true;
With each new bond of power

The old becomes the new!

 

Who in our circle lives,

And is not happy there?
True liberty it gives,

And brother’s love so fair.

Thus heart and heart through life

With mutual love are fill’d;
And by no causeless strife

Our union e’er is chill’d.

 

Our hopes a God has crown’d

With life-discernment free,
And all we view around,

Renews our ecstasy.

Ne’er by caprice oppress’d,

Our bliss is ne’er destroy’d;
More freely throbs our breast,

By fancies ne’er alloy’d.

 

Where’er our foot we set,

The more life’s path extends,
And brighter, brighter yet

Our gaze on high ascends.

We know no grief or pain,

Though all things fall and rise;
Long may we thus remain!

Eternal be our ties!

1775.

 

 

“… in Steps One through Three, we were given the basic tools we need to negotiate the path of recovery.”  “On this spiritual foundation, we lay the principles of commitment and perseverance as we work the Sixth Step.” (It Works, How & Why, p. 44)

 

What experiences have you had with overcoming adversity, lately?

 

Try – Janis Joplin Live at Woodstock (4:13)

Michael Sams (1st Gay NFL Draft) Overcoming Homophobia (3:18)

Come Together – Gary Clark Jr. & the Justice League (2:32)

 

The King and The Spider

 

Vikram was a brave king. Once, he had to fight against a large army with just a few soldiers, he was defeated. He had to run for his life.

Vikram took shelter in a forest cave. He was very depressed. His courage had left him. He was blankly gazing at the ceiling of the cave. An interesting scene captured his attention.

A small spider was trying to weave a web across the cave ceiling. As the spider crawled up, a thread of the web broke and the spider fell down. But the spider did not give up. He tried to climb again and again. Finally, the spider successfully climbed up and completed the web.

Vikram began to think, “If a small spider can face failure so bravely, why should I give up? I will try with all might till I win”. This thought gave strength to the defeated king.

Vikram got out of the jungle and collected his brave soldiers. He fought against the large army. He was defeated again. But now, he would not give up his fight.

Vikram, again and again, fought against the large army and finally, after many attempts defeated the large army and regained his kingdom. He had learned a lesson from the spider.

MORAL: Perseverance paves the way to success.  (http://www.english-for-students.com/The-King-and-The-Spider.html)

“Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer.” – excerpt from Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven

 

How have you been loving when helping someone close deal with pain in their own lives, lately?

Cloudbusting – Kate Bush (6:56)

Kundalini Fear Release Meditation (16:46)

Ambient Solaris Space Meditation (11:57)

 

 

The Raven

by Edgar Allan Poe

ONCE upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

“‘T is some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door;
Only this and nothing more.
”

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.

Eagerly I wished the morrow;¡ªvainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow¡ªsorrow for the lost Lenore,
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore:
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me¡ªfilled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
“‘T is some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door,
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door:
This it is and nothing more.
”

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,

“Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you”¡ªhere I opened wide the door:¡ª
Darkness there and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore?”
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, “Lenore:”
Merely this and nothing more.

 

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,

Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.

“Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore;
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore:
‘T is the wind and nothing more.
”

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.

Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door,
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door:
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,¡ª
“Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said, “art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore:
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.
”

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning¡ªlittle relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door,
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as “Nevermore.
”

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.

Nothing further then he uttered, not a feather then he fluttered,
Till I scarcely more than muttered,¡ª”Other friends have flown before;
On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before.

 

” Then the bird said, “Nevermore.”

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
“Doubtless,” said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore:
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of ‘Never¡ªnevermore.
‘

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore,
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking “Nevermore.
”

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o’er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o’er
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
80
“Wretch,” I cried, “thy God hath lent thee¡ªby these angels he hath sent thee
Respite¡ªrespite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!”
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore.

 

“Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil! prophet still, if bird or devil!
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted¡ª
On this home by Horror haunted¡ªtell me truly, I implore:
Is there¡ªis there balm in Gilead?¡ªtell me¡ªtell me, I implore!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.
” 90

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil¡ªprophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us, by that God we both adore,
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore:
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore!” 95
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.
”

“Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!” I shrieked, upstarting:
“Get thee back into the tempest and the Night’s Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken! quit the bust above my door! 100
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!”
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.
”

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming,
Andthe lamp-light o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor:
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted¡ªnevermore!