This world is too much for me

This world is too much for me
by Azly Rahman

this world is too much for me
and one man can be an island entire of itself
unto which a kingdom divided and united and  divided and united again it stands
away from the marketplace and rich-quick scams
away, far far away from sultans and feudal gangs, and royal clans
away from missiles in silos which blow the world out of its DNA strands
away from the blown up face of a boy in Palestine the holy land
away from media persuasions and rape of clever brands
this world is way too much for me


this world is way too much for me
as i longed for death as it comes so easily in multiplicity
consistently in perfect harmony with profound beauty
as all the world's a stage i cannot be a mere player
nor will i be historied by narratives crafted by hypocrites in power way too many
this world is way way too much for me
i cried times too many
until a figure in white robe brought me away to this destiny
but still -- i sit peaceful and empty
though beautiful things around me i carry


this world is way way too much for me
but still i sit on my throne
with mere sound of my breathing i worship incessantly
and for many thousands of years i look into the mirror
like many a poor narcissus in many ponds of grandeur
and for many more thousands of years i waited for company
to help me construct my identity
so that i will be known and knowers will i see
but where is the beloved one who will be my company
one i waited a thousand years still, so patiently?
so that this kingdom of cybernetic philosophy
can reign more joyously?

and the prince will no longer be narcissus
but will be ready for pomp and pageantry
and produce offspring
          with roots and wings
who will journey down to this world called Maya
and revolt -- from Srivijaya to Cyberjaya
and destroy missiles in silos
hang war kings, hang their strange bedfellows
and restore the blown-up face of the Palestinian child
and resurrect in every hinterland and principalities
wise men and prophets who once foretold destinies

ahh... for now
this world is still way way too much for me
as i reign alone
meditating on the Self's multiplicity
waiting for company
to speak of unity
of two worlds
breathing silently
and as the hand writes ...
this world is still too much for me