The Seduction of Truth (Part One)

A local field. Snow. The remains of corn stalks.
A common sight here in the wilds of Vermont.
No one stops for it. Except perhaps me
and a stray intrepid artist now and again.

I am one of those. Those who stop. Who pause
and gaze. Who listen. Comfortable in the stillness.
Perhaps more comfortable than in the bustle
of what we refer to as “real life.”

No my friends. This is real life.
The stillness. The silent spaces
where God and your own heart can be heard.
These are the dangerous places

where, when you are still enough, long enough,
your dissatisfaction no longer gets lost
in the noise. Where you are reminded
who and what you are. Really.

Not what you have become.
Not what they have made of you.
But the truth of you, All the while
you are taking in the scenery,

it is not the beauty that seduces you.
It is the truth.

About this poem

This one got too long and unwieldy, but there is much more to say and I was unable to make it work this morning. So welcome to part one, while I wrestle with part two. Coming soon, I hope.

The photograph was taken in nearby Rupert, Vermont.

Tom