The Journey Poem by Almira Bausley

As I walk into your glorious temple
I am overtaken in my perceptions
Admiring the beauty of the precious gems glistening the walls
And awed by the majesty of the pillars set in their strength
I continue walking hearing only my footsteps
Echoing through the halls
But in turning it becomes as rubble before my feet
I kneel to the ground as sorrow fills my heart
Then I hear you whisper to me
Fear not little child I was not there
So I muster up my strength and stagger to a stance
And by stepping out and walking past
I arrive at a hurricane devastated land
Where homes and lives have been scattered
And that by a mighty hand
As I look into the face of desolation
Despair grips my heart
And I collapse to my knees
Again I hear you whisper to me
Fear not
I jump up and run through
Searching for shelter
I make my way into this room
People were gathered
With singing and dancing
Shouting and praying
And I am filled with relief
I said within myself surely father you are here
To which you reply “I am not”
And the once bright lights of the room suddenly go dim
So I grope for the door
Confusion sets in
However I am a little intrigued
I thrust through the exit
And step onto the street and what do I see
People laughing and scorning
Saying there is no God
Throwing your truth to the ground
And lighting a flame
While your anger ignites
As they set themselves up
In their own foolish pride
I am humbled and cowered in shame
As I watch the ashes from your word drift away
I hear you say once again fear not
I bury my face in my hands
Feeling hopeless and lost
I wonder within myself
Where are you God?
Everything at once goes silent
And my eyes are pierced by this invading light
And turning myself around
I see that everyone and everything have gone
And nothing but this light surrounds
But breaking through the silence
I hear this soft and steady sound
It is my own heart beat
And I hear it grow loud
Then you say to me
In here is where I reside
I was and am with you the whole time
It is my chosen habitation
And grand design.