I Was There

I was with Arjuna on the battlefield

To hear Lord Krishna expound his wisdom

I sat with Siddhartha under the Bodhi tree

Dodging arrows shot by the King of Demons

I watched as Abraham placed Isaac on the alter

And witnessed the grace of God unfold

I worshipped the golden calf

And saw the tablets shattered

I was there at the crucifixion of my Savior

And felt the blood and water pour onto my face

I cut off my eyelids and meditated with Bodhidarma

And pierced a hole through the cave wall

I was carried up to the third heaven

When Saul became Paul

I’ve sat with Guru Nanak

To hear him elaborate on the numinous

I traveled with Muhammad

To hear the words of Allah uttered by Gabriel

I’ve sat, I’ve questioned, I’ve wondered

I’ve remembered, I’ve forgotten, I’ve pondered

I’ve cried for you God

I’ve lied to you God

I’ve longed for you God

I’ve died for you God

Solitary tears have streamed down my face

In holy contrition

I’ve quirked a wicked smile

In devilish pride

All ten thousand things proceed from You

And to you they will all return

And for all of this just to hear the one voice speaking through the masses

“Do what you know is righteous.”

By: Jerry Benjamin Stout