The Secret Of Ongi

You couldn’t see it, but we all knew it was there

safe, guarded and pure

like a heartbeat steady, a pulse throbbing

It didn’t need 4 walls or a roof

It couldn’t be named that that lay inside it.

4000 miles we travelled

The sun blinded us as we crept

inch by inch step by step to the higher altitude through the mountains, through the rugged rocks and crags.

I did not think I would make it up there.Each step precariously placed sent rubble below.

But i needed to know.I craved the treasures that lay within.The craving drove me to push my aching body more

Around the crag I caught sight of a glimpse of red.Scarlet red way up high like a ripe poppy floating in a clear pool of sky.

My heart raced and even though my legs ached and I wanted to sit on the rocks I carried on with sweat dripping.

I needed to take this journey to the centre of my soul.

I had to experience the true beauty of being and of nothingness.

Then I was there.It was there.

In front of me, the secret of Ongi.

I lay on the hot cracked earth once walked on by monks.The clouds above so close I could reach out and touch them.

I bathed my soul in the bath of beauty so overwhelming it made tears run down my cheeks and laughter bubble in my throat.

The air seemed to enter my lungs differently at this altitude making me giddy.

I saw the world that day in a single moment of clarity so crystal clear I could almost drink it.

I knew the secret of Ongi

I found the secret of me.

By Michelle Hynes

Copyright Michelle Hynes 2014 All Rights Reserved.