This Safe Place – from “Zen and My Friends”

From this safe place, I sit, in search of another,
that doesn’t tug so hard on my heart.
I’m not from this world am I?
You all close in on me, and I’m sure that that’s true.
Tricky how things play out.
This shadow boxing.
The endless play.
Splitting hairs now.
This game, through me, all this time.

And I’m happy when it rains.
Paying these infinite blessings forward, as best as I can.
Surrounded by opportunity, these gifts, and a bounty of energy.
You’ve taught me well, more than a hundred lifetimes could learn.
This give and take.
And I’ve given into my shame,
I’ve swallowed my pride.
I’ve looked beyond all this time.
Giving shelter, to what I seek, that is already within me.

Hoping for time now.
To reconcile these things I cannot yet explain.
I’ve certainly sweated through enough nights.
And been through so many wars.
Earned every one of these scars I wear with pride.
But do I protect you, or you me?
Does the answer matter anymore?
This love that wraps my heart.
Can it really conquer all?

I know that you’re here now,
and that things are forgiven,
and that you want great things for me,
and for that I remain grateful.