The five arrows of the mind

The mind is a sugarcane-bow,
With arrows sharp and keen,
Five elements in its quiver,
To create or make a scene.

The sound, the touch, the smell,
The sight, and taste they bring,
These arrows in the mind's bow,
Are powerful and affecting.

When used in peace and calm,
They're flowers that bloom and spread,
Fragrance in the environment,
With calmness, they are fed.

But when the mind is angry,
These arrows become deathly,
They create confusion, war, and strife,
And the environment turns deadly.

These elements can pacify or madden,
And they need to be nurtured with care,
To ensure the environment is healthy,
And creativity and growth can flourish there.

So let us use the mind's bow,
With wisdom and control,
To manage the five arrows well,
And create an environment that nourishes the soul.

-Mani