Where Can I Be?

Quotation body.

Away in the mountains I found a gray temple
With monkeys and fountains and gardens well tended.
(I want to see!)

I asked the great statue of Buddha for insight,
And out from his navel came visions of firelight.
(Where Can I Be?)

I saw the cathedral of Paris at matins,
Thousands of flickering candles around me.
(I want to see!)

I fell on my knees before Christ and the blessed
And cried for a vision: my prayer was accepted.
(Where Can I Be?)

I sat by the north shore of Lake Gitchee-Gumee.
A crow came to land where I fasted and prayed.
(I want to see!)

I asked that the spirits and Great Mother help me.
The lake turned to glass and I saw a wheel turning.
(Where Can I Be?)

I rode a blue horse on the carousel.
With infinite sadness, the darkness fell.
(I want to see!)

I saw in the mirrors one I know well,
And heard in the distance a temple bell.
(Tolling for me...)

A child cried "more" and I cried with him.
The crow flapped away and I flew with him.

A candle flame flickered and shook me.
The statue reached out and took me!

The mirrors all broke and behind them
I saw a great light shine on me!

[composed ca. 1996]