Yes yes.. I’ve not forgotten that: <br />the presence of the great – <br /> <br />when destiny has brought you <br />to their presence; destiny <br />brought them, here, now, to you; <br /> <br />how in their presence, duality itself <br />is magnified: do your palms slightly sweat? <br /> <br />while unity is merely apprehended <br />as the world grows before your eyes? <br /> <br />Great crooks too – who believe <br />that the world, the oystered pearl, is theirs; <br /> <br />and those great souls: whose gift <br />it is, to know the world, and tell; <br /> <br />they show themselves; and you know that <br />you’re graced – but by the grace which, as they show, <br /> <br />is always there; is always here; and humbled by this show, <br />in surfeit of this taste of grace, then quietly you leave.. <br /> <br />And they recede – or do they? – to <br />the sternest test: the memory: <br />a photograph, or record of their voice.. <br /> <br />Now: look upon their image, but without regret; <br />for this, your sternest test; the duty of true unity: <br /> <br />they come to life again; again in you; <br />you carry them to show the world anew.<br /><br />Michael Shepherd<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-presence-of-the-truly-great/
