ghazal: "the primary thing"

To cultivate sheer soul   is the primary thing
to love   as fate's dice roll   is the primary thing

each day   a different experience emerges
to contemplate the whole   is the primary thing

our efforts merely efforts (chalked off as normal)
to keep seeking the goal   is the primary thing

where the mine looks dark   it harbors hidden treasure
a diamond pressed from coal   is the primary thing

music painting and poetry   three currencies
we've means to pay time's toll   is the primary thing

it was lengthy   and pointless   till you smiled at me
the bottom line read droll   is the primary thing

success and failure miss the point   adventure
with gusto to extoll   is the primary thing

to India or China?   whither Raphael?
a pilgrim's begging bowl   is the primary thing