Traveler

Are you weary?
How long have you been on your path?
For how long have you wandered in search of your home?
I can see by the trappings of your bags
That you have sought to drink from many cups of wisdom
Their traces follow you
Like brittle leaves
Blowing in the relentless wind
Your cushion tells that you've sat at the knees of many masters
For it is well worn
And its familiarity gives you comfort
The notes from your carefully guarded book
overflow with teachings on the divine
Words and more words
Secrets whispered
Realizations stashed away
Jotted down
Saved and prized
Just in case
There might be some truth in there
Something that will set you free
We could make a fire with all that precious wisdom
And warm ourselves
If only for a little while
But then what?
Would you begin your journey again?
Set out to wander, and attempt once more
To find that which eludes you?
I've seen you before, you know
First you went this way
Then you went that way
Your hair has changed
And so have you clothes
And sometimes, even your name
It's always the same, though
Just a seeker, in search of home
Had you asked
I would have told you it was right here, all along
You've carried it with you with every step
And it was there at every rest
Some things you must learn for yourself, however
So I only watched, and let you go on your way
But if the time has come
That you've grown weary of the search
Then I'll tell you
You're already there
Just where you've always been
Relax, if you dare
And change into something more comfortable
Remove those pilgrim's shoes
And let the cloak of earnest searching fall away
Your heart has always been right here
In this very chest
It will tell you all you need to know
If you'd only listen
You may have thought it was its whispers that led you on
By that was just your mind
For where would the heart go
To find itself?
So let's burn those notes of sincere seeking
Of precious wisdom
Of eternal truths
And rest in the light and heat
If only for a while
After, go where you like
And seek what you want
But just know,
As long as you look for home
It will elude you
For it is the seeking that keeps you
From being where you are

Martin W Ball