Composure

“The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.” -- Aristotle

I’ve sought so long to acquire that unmistakable characteristic found in every hero. Coming from a highly reactive family background, I recall the delight of retreating to the soothing yet unfamiliar world of “Kung Fu”. I could not tell you the name of the main characters of this TV series, yet its impact I could not deny.

As I watched David Carradine in his role of a noble young monk, it kindled in me a burning passion towards the acquisition of sacred truth.  Movie makers know how empowering it is to inject in the human heart the self-mastery of an indestructible celestial being.  It doesn’t matter how much adversity, threats or danger, composure defies all the sensible instincts of self-preservation.

Perhaps we will never demonstrate the heroic achievement of a fireman, crime-fighter or warrior, yet as the poem below suggests, we can all experience the quiet transcendence of the unsung hero.  In the invisible realm of human plight, there are many giants to be slain.

Composure

I close my eyes
With heavy heart
Engulfed by obscurity
My strength is gone
My limitations prevail
You draw near
When I least expect you
You caress me with kisses
You feel my futility
You console me without cost
I sense your presence
In the form of a promise
Your name is Composure

-- Reflector