Mind Over Matter

It can be so strong and vibrant,
It can be so fragile and pale,
This mortal coil our spirits bear
That binds us to this spinning sphere.

Young bodies laughing, jumping, playing,
Young spirits soaring in the sun.
Ill bodies aching, bent, and dying,
Fractured spirits seeking to be one.

Are we animals with a spark,
Or spirits clothed in meat?
Which part is more important,
The feelings or the feet?

Bright intellect wrapped in love
Lies buried beneath the hurt.
A life of loving, caring, helping,
Now the body's mostly dirt.

Our main chore is just maintaining,
Working toward a long, long life.
Worrying about our outward temple
Protecting the vessel from the strife.

While what’s important lies within us,
Who we are isn’t how we appear.
Yet with all the anger, lust, and arrogance,
It’s the termite we most fear.

For no matter how we build our spirit
And with our minds ascend on high,
The reflection in the mirror
Is what most often makes us cry.

When we’re weak and bent and suffering,
And our bodies are wasting away,
When all we are is trapped within us,
And our will drains day by day,
Deep inside beneath the aching
Shines a spark still burning bright.
Awaiting freedom from the torment
When it can join the greater light.
    M.W. Ashley 2006