Narcissus

(Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio)

Like Narcissus
I kept leaning above the still, mirror-like waters
Like Narcissus
I kept trying to seduce the reflected image of myself
I was in love with this image
Except that I didn't recognise it as my own
And I saw it everywhere, in everyone

I have loved
many times and many people
Or did I?
Have I loved the reflected image of myself
many times and in many people.
It sounds more like it

At this very moment the time of
judgment has gone
shame is forgotten
guilt has dissolved
compassion has been born
Instead

Accepting that Other
Breathes
Hurts
Rejoices
Tires
In a word
Exists
NOT for me

Allowing that my heart
Loves Other
Burns incandescent
Spreads the heat
Invites Other

Allowing that my heart
Receives love
Burns incandescent
Spreads the heat
Invites myself

Like Narcissus
I have kissed my lips and touched the truth
Unlike him though
Loving myself allows me to love Other
Freely