I am a seeker,

A seeker of truth.

I sought in the heavens,

I sought on the land,

I sought in deserts,

And I sought in the oceans,

But, elusive it was

And it cleverly camouflaged

To hide from my eyes.

I became desperate;

I could not find

What I was Seeking!

I wandered, hope dwindling,

From palace to hovel and back;

It was as though I was purblind!

For all my failures,

Scales could have been

Covering my eyes.

For all my care, pure truth

Was hidden behind

More than seven veils,

Forever unreachable.

Then, one day,

A star never seen,

Shone brightly,

Up in the heavens.

I was caught in its allure

And an urge came strongly;

The only option

Was to follow the star.

I heeded the urge;

The goal was within reach.

I set my course west

With a spring in my steps.

I loaded my camel

And filled the carry bags.

I began my journey

Seeking again!

The star was hope now,

But the journey was long.

It led to a palace;

But the star hid

And the palace failed.

Leaving the palace,

The star shone ahead

And hope had rekindled.

Through sparse vegetation,

I followed the star

Which stopped abruptly

Above a cave turned stable.

I never had to glance

At the resting animals.

Because, in the warm, hay-scented stable

Where the cattle blew hot breaths,

In a manger lay truth,

Wrapped in swaddling clothes-

A baby newborn

With an unseen halo

And marvel in his eyes.

His wonder pierced me.

And I saw my self

In his eyes!

It was my self, seeking

Only for myself,

With no thoughts

Given to others!

My life spread out

In front of me.

I sought truth

And failed to see it

In the people surrounding me.

The baby smiled

And raised his hand.

I felt the gentle trickle of his blessing

And Grace descended on me.

Replete, I rose

And approached my camel.

Perched on my mount,

I knew with clarity

To turn the camel’s head.

I chose a different path.