Path of Totality – a poem by Stephanie Ross

Path of Totality

moon’s shadow creates 
a curved trail across Earth’s surface
an umbra of darkened sky, eerie silence
four Monday minutes of false twilight
122 miles of moon covering sun’s face

immerse in an experience outside yourself 
	--some scientists say
life’s sustenance devoured by a dragon
	--some mythologies say


What does the Theory of Totality say?


path of all life curves at each choice
bending with relationships, entwined experience, 
a light nudge at the grocery store
four Monday minutes affect more than you can see
100s of lifetimes of False Self shadowing Original Face

immerse in an experience inside yourself 
	–-the practices say
life’s sustenance actualized through pattern illumination
	–-the teachings say


False Self creates a life eclipsed.
True Self enlightens true life.



*Path of Totality: the area on Earth where the total solar eclipse is visible
*Theory of Totality: a foundational theory of Ren Xue by Yuan Tze

Stephanie Ross is a Ren Xue Yuan Qigong teacher and Vancouver Island poet. She found her writing inspiration during a 3.5-year South Pacific sail with two young children. She’s passionate about her inner world as a lifetime adventure. Her publications include Passionfruit Review, RXA Qiblog, Valiant Scribe, Roses & Wildflowers, and The 2023 Poetry Marathon Anthology. Connect with her: https://www.stephanierossauthor.com
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