Shadows from TonePoem by TonePoem

Poem #1 - THE GUEST HOUSE (Rumi)
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Poem #2 - THE STORM CLOUD (Fatah Evans)
There is a storm cloud
In my head
A dark ominous threat

Lightening bolts
In my chest
I'm kneeling on the ground
Muddied hands
Wiping tears away

There is a thunder of discontent
With poisoning refrains
"Not good enough"
Immeasurable disdain

This winter storm
Is sweeping me away
IN a flash flood of sorrows
That I cannot contain
Need not contain

So I let go
Meet great release
Return to the source
Of the ocean of your love.

Poem #3 - Sutra 64 (The Radiance Sutras)
Secrets are hidden in darkness
And difficult nights.
You awaken to a pang of aloneness,
A howl of separation.
This is the call of the Dark One,
The roar of life seeking its source.
The union you long for is within reach.
Throw off all hesitation.
Become one with the fear.
Plunge into the uncanny blackness,
Eyes wide open,
As if there were no other choice.
Vibrating with fierce tenderness,
Breathe intimately
With the Lord of infinite space.
--------------------

This collaboration is a deep dive into the mystic poetry of Rumi, the Lotus Sutras and original works. Recited by Fatah Evans with music composed by Ray Powers. A soundtrack of ecstatic words and soundscapes for an exotic journey.

Fatah Evans - spoken word
Ray Powers - music
John Lacques - Percussion

Ray Powers is a composer, producer, and songwriter living in Ojai, CA.

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