Searching for the Lotus of Wisdom

In murky waters

Photo by Mark Tulin

As a word-maker
and a prospector for meaning,
I look deeply into murky waters
for the lotus of wisdom.

I try to find what’s true.
I try to speak what’s real,
but I seldom do.

Instead, I get my wires crossed
like two gulls who share
the same utility pole
or on the days
when you make a phone call
on a party line.

It’s not easy
being a sojourner
of truth.
It’s hard being
a rebel of honesty
when there’s a revolution
of one.

I grab the truth’s slippery essence
with uncertain fingers
and watch it slip
from my grasp
into rippled waters —
only to watch its remnants
fade in memory.

© 2022 Mark Tulin

Here’s another from Mark Tulin:

High School Emotions