CROSS RIVER, CLIMB MOUNTAIN, RETURN TO OCEAN

lions guard the bridge

dragons dance and pagodas

reach to the heavens

painted tiles pave the way for pilgrims

bare feet cross

into the unknown

and disappear into nowhere

like Jacob's ladder

or the Indian rope trick

like climbing the 7000 steps

of Tai Shan - the Stairway to Heaven

step... step...step

each step a lifetime

that vanishes in a moment

the light is soft and the music sweet

crossing the River of Dreams

one lifetime after another flowing by

from a source high in the mountains

into the Ocean of Consciousness

looking down at reflections

in the river below

faces change continually

but the eyes remain the same

old souls line the way

with paper lanterns

wishing them well

children fly kites and smile

crowds cheer as they pass by

and reach out to touch their hands

confetti falls and a paper moon

hangs in the sky

step... step...step

each step an instant

that lasts for eternity

just place one foot after the other

that's all you have to do

don't think there is something better

not for a moment

stop wishing it was so

and you will find contentment

hiding under the bridge

and flying under the wings

of birds above

saying come with me

I will keep you company

just look above you and below

and into eyes of everyone you see

they are all the same

as tiger climbs the mountain

as the crane soars high

as the stork spreads his wings

and foretells prosperity

and happiness in the New Year

so also only good can come of this

it is the natural course of things

it is the way of nature

- Paresh


				*--------------* *CROSS RIVER, CLIMB MOUNTAIN, RETURN TO OCEAN*



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