"The Silent Flame" They came in silence, five in a row, Through open gates where dreams do flow. A glance, a touch, a tempting sound— They danced, then vanished, all around. No locks were broke, no walls were torn, Yet peace was lost, and Self forlorn. I stood inside, and let them in— Not knowing stillness wears no skin. This house is mine, yet who resides? The one who sees, or one who hides? Is there a watcher, still and deep? Or just a voice that talks in sleep? Not by fight do gates stay strong, But by the light that waits lifelong. The thief is want, the lure, the call— The guard is presence through it all. No name it seeks, no form it holds, It simply sees as life unfolds. No struggle, effort, push, or shove— Just quiet strength, and choiceless love. Withdraw the limbs like turtle wise, From fleeting thrill and painted skies. Let senses serve, but never rule— Let silence be the ancient school. This body cleansed, this heart made still, Becomes the mount, becomes the hill. No door is lost, no gate is closed— When Self is known, and truth exposed. So let them knock, the five once more. The heart is not an open door. It watches now, it will not stray— The flame within shall light the way.
