As the eagle discerns – at rest – the limits of his gifted sight ahead
It is from behind, his view is noted, and from a past presumed as dead
Ah … the future then denotes the former, and forming days of old
And the secret of creation’s forgings, are from this point, both seen and told
Take flight on high “O Eagle” and let the continuum of knowledge prevail
For the direction is set, the line is clear, lest we falter in what we know and tell
The responsibility of understanding, by being able to see what’s here and there
Becomes irrefutably apparent – in the face of the eagle – who maintains his gifted stare
At rest – a lion seems less than he is … until the hunger of flesh drives him to war
And his restless desire for change or excitement, releases a staunch, foreboding roar
Behold … this place of self-preservation, where flesh can live, or flesh can die
It harbors in secretive fashion, loving and chastening formulas, for all of which we vie
Rise up from complacency “O Lion” and attack these insufferable and weakened ways
Purge by measurable allowances – find force for redemption, to save the remnant days
Without excuse need not be chanted, as charge, and change, stir fresh the dust again
For there is great strength – in the face of the lion – and a certain character of love within
Even while at rest – the ox is compelled to cogitate things present – of time present
It stems from beastly nature, for in sacrifice or servitude, his master finds him pleasant
My … should the direction of his travel shine forth to us the revelation of his committed mind
For in reticence he guards his mental finding and in silences the secrets of different kind
The burden “O Ox” – placed there with care – will discover no more – than one can bear
Continue to search the conscious within, and with clarity – divine reasons – will then declare
Those immutable laws called higher powers – order and sustain the rise and fall – of it all
The knowledge of propitiation hides – in the face of the ox – patiently born … never in gall
He that endures faithfully to the end – shall be at rest – and salvation shall grace his soul
For a man shall have traveled worlds, discovered the motive of desires – and reached his goal
Alas … the unintentional failures shall give way to the collective nature of the righteous few
The pure in heart shall see all things pure and the mystery of godliness will come fully to view
Take flight on high – “O Man” – dare as the eagle to see – the truth that causes – angels to soar
Rise from complacency “O Man” – seal the courage and teaching of a king – and in triumph roar
The burdens “O Man” – is to but listen to just one – to serve in obedience, and out of choice
In the face of the eagle, the lion, and the ox – is the face of a man, with dazzled image and voice
View the PDF below as it was originally presented
Poem #83 | Written October 28, 2011
In The Face of The Eagle The Lion and The Ox PDF