I wish I knew

There on the banks of my ancient river, I knelt

And lit two lamps of your truth and mine

Gently swayed by tides of a reality beyond them 

They rocked together for the night

I wished I stayed on to know

When one died out, did the other go?

On those time-honoured steps I sat and watched 

Your sun rise in the east while my moon waited on

One dawn that brought them together on earthen banks

Held them both in eternity's fickle arms 

I wish I stayed on to know 

Were there other days when the moon kissed the sun?

I held on to sacred chants, ancient charms, temple domes, oil lamps, sandalwood scents of lost ages

Scooped aeons of faith in turmeric-stained rice 

Worshipped the goddess whose hunger fills my being

And Her god who is beyond the very idea of death

I wish I knew, was her God made of stone too?