Waking Up

Waking up
I take my lumps
But what seemed precious
Soon becomes a pale reflection
Of the greater All that glitters
And reflects throughout Creation
Until I am blinded I
Mistake mere signs for destinations.

Breathless wonder is its own
Reward for looking after years
Spent wandering in dark deserts
I, most willful, have created
Desert has a beauty of its own
And retrospection is a trap
I lay to hold on vise-like
To the toys and baubles, shiny objects
Garish city-lights beneath
A starry, starry night.

If I would just look up
And then within.

The gift I have is not for words
But tears and laughter
Inarticulate; holding in my hands
And over-flowing, plentiful
I stand amazed
Walk forward like a Child.