Tiny Lights

An up-swell of anxiety as a lay my head upon my pillow
in the morning I’ll wade my way through a sea of inspired people
for now I’m rolling over and over telling myself to sleep

suddenly I wake at some dark hour well before my alarm was set
and in that moment I contemplate just giving in and waking up
the day shall surely unfold unlike my mind has planned

in the morning twilight my mind wanders in search of coffee
and the gentle whispers of dreams form images in my head
the road takes me there through green sugar cane fields

I try to picture what shall pass and think of friends there
and then I tell myself to make something remarkable of the day
my mind is telling me to be open to almost anything

The setting in plain view of the West Maui mountains is magic
with palm trees, artwork and architecture of the place
yet it’s the people make this moment so wonder-filled

A thunderous opening marks the event with zen-like tidings
drum beats echo these halls and demand our remembering
the day has only begun to share memories and hope

One by one these brave voices speak for those who have none
occasionally I feel heat on my face and tears in my eyes
I can also hear weeping in the seats all around me

There is a stillness now and then that makes me think
dreaming of what could be and how to create that momentum
built upon one thought comes another briskly changing directions

Between crys and among friends the day unfolds magically
intermission becomes a warm rejuvenation and fresh spring
yet something tells me that something is missing

The light of the big screen shows the faces and smiles
laughter and applause frequently fills the grand theater
I see myself as a tiny speck of light below an open sky

I can hear voices telling me there are stories as yet untold
as the end nears the thoughts explode in my mind and my heart
what’s missing is that there is no end in sight

Reaching to the stars and riding the waves these dreamers
making every waking hour hope and possibilities blossom
how do I fit into this mix of talent and realization

Shall I seek some passionate endeavor to fill my emptiness
and in that wholesomeness become a dreamer myself
one that finds many remarkable moments to share

The message is clear that the key is helping others in need
becoming hope for those lacking understanding of hope itself
and not just people but places and things and ideas

Like any deep cold darkness lacks steady dedicated warm light
this day has given me hope that we already are that light
and my capacity for glowing wide and large is unlimited

together the collected light surrounds us all individually
as the days since have passed I’m finding myself new
these ideas bouncing off the walls in my head are real

like so many scattered marbles finding low points to settle
I’m sorting and stacking and herding them to and fro
putting together everything I have learned and know

One day I’ll find that well-lighted place where my dreams
are the marbles carefully in there place instead of dancing
and the sound of waves and the clear sky’s filled with stars

by Erik Blair

* Special Thanks to Sean Hower for the great picture of W.S. Merwin, and to TedxMaui for such an inspiring event!