Positive Emptiness Poem by GORDON GILHULY

I know that this is my hand
in front of me I know
that the ring on my hand
in front of me is the ring
that once was a bridge it is a
ring of trees and I know
that this was to be a symbol
I know that when I wear
this ring of trees on my
right hand it is a symbol
I know nothing


I know that you are not here
that your hands will not
suddenly appear I know that
bridges can be burned that
symbols are not reality only
mutually agreeable fantasies I know
that trees only seem to live
forever that however holy they
may be they are subject to the
end of their time I know that
you have left me
I know nothing


slowly
because I know so much
I begin to empty myself I
am too full of what I know I
long for the emptiness that
is the beginning of knowledge I
must learn again about bridges
and trees and forever I
have lessons to learn I
have teachers because I
am ready
I
know
nothing