I brought these two poems to the Dalal's Salon, March 19, and was asked to make them available here. Enjoy. Petra For a New Beginning by John O'Donohue In out-of-the-way places of the heart, Where your thoughts never think to wander, This beginning has been quietly forming, Waiting until you were ready to emerge. For a long time it has watched your desire, Feeling the emptiness growing inside you, Noticing how you willed yourself on, Still unable to leave what you had outgrown. It watched you play with the seduction of safety And the gray promises that sameness whispered, Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent, Wondered would you always live like this. Then the delight, when your courage kindled, And out you stepped onto new ground, Your eyes young again with energy and dream, A path of plenitude opening before you. Though your destination is not yet clear You can trust the promise of this opening; Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning That is at one with your life's desire. Awaken your spirit to adventure; Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk; Soon you will be home in a new rhythm, For your soul senses the world that awaits you. Stages By Hermann Hesse from The Glass Bead Game (also known as Magister Ludi) German: „Stufen“ aus “Das Glassperlenspiel” As every flower fades and as all youth Departs, so life at every stage, So every virtue, so our grasp of truth, Blooms in its day and may not last forever. Since life may summon us at every age Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor, Be ready bravely and without remorse To find new light that old ties cannot give. In all beginnings dwells a magic force For guarding us and helping us to live. It is essential that we move serenely Through room and space, and cling to none with sentiments of home The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us But wants to lift us stage by stage to wider spaces Just when we homely feel in one such setting the threat of slacking, apathy arises. And only those who ready are for travel, taking chances can break the habits’ paralyzing stances. The last of our hours even might send us young and fresh To yet another realm, The call of Life to us forever flowers… So be it, heart: Take farewell and be calm. (be healed – in the German Original)