West wind carries my character,
east light sharpens my mind;
two lanterns arguing softly
over who will guide my stride.
But a single flame makes shadows,
and shadows make me blind.

I once walked only by thinking
clear maps, cold stones, thin air;
every riddle bowed before me,
but no joy was waiting there.
Then I walked only by feeling
warm skies, soft soil, sweet rain;
but the earth kept swallowing footfalls,
and I kept losing my name.

Somewhere between breath and lightning,
a quieter road unfolds
half-moon rising toward fullness,
half-heart reaching for whole.
I hear it humming my future,
a tune I’m learning to hold.

And the fool drifts past his blessings,
misaligned with all his dreams;
perfect jobs, perfect houses,
perfect friends who never meet.
He keeps knocking on wrong doorways
built to open for another heartbeat.

Oh this life turns like a gearwheel
with a tooth or two misplaced
brilliant minds without backbone,
bravest hearts without grace.
We are tuning forks in the static,
trying to find our rightful place.

Character in my left hand,
intellect in my right
raise them like twin-born stars
finally burning at equal height.
Maybe then the wandering fool in me
will find a circle that fits just right.

Character in my left hand,
intellect in my right
teach them to shine together,
teach them to share the same light.